Arsenal’s ambitious pursuit of Vinícius Jr has received another intriguing twist after respected South American football expert Tim Vickery suggested the Brazilian’s situation at Real Madrid is being complicated by the arrival of Kylian Mbappé.
As reported by Sky Sports, Vickery explained that the issue goes beyond two global superstars competing for the spotlight, insisting there is also a fundamental tactical clash between the pair.
“Without a doubt, yes – very much so. It’s not only a battle of egos, it’s not only a battle to be number one, it’s also the fact that tactically they like the same space.”
Vickery added that while Vinícius is traditionally viewed as a winger and Mbappé as a centre-forward, both naturally drift into similar areas of the pitch, making it difficult for either player to perform at their best.
“It’s very hard to fit the two of them in the same side. Ancelotti couldn’t do it and Ancelotti is a master at adapting and getting the best out of what he’s got. The Mbappé thing is undoubtedly a problem for Vinícius Jr.”
Arsenal continue to monitor the situation
Those comments come at an interesting time, with Arsenal continuing to be linked with what would undoubtedly be the biggest signing in the club’s history.
Reports suggest that there remains a gap between the Real Madrid’s proposal and the demands of Vinicius Jr’s representatives.
Meanwhile, several Spanish reports have claimed Arsenal remain firmly interested in the 26-year-old, while Real Madrid are said to value him at around €150 million should they eventually decide to sell.
More than just a contract dispute?
Until now, much of the discussion surrounding Vinícius’ future has centred on his contract negotiations.
However, Vickery’s assessment introduces another possible factor. If Real Madrid are genuinely struggling to accommodate both Vinícius and Mbappé in the same team, it could help explain why speculation surrounding the Brazilian refuses to disappear despite his importance to the Spanish giants.
That does not mean a transfer is imminent, of course. Vinícius remains one of the world’s elite forwards and Real Madrid would undoubtedly prefer to tie him down to a new long-term contract.
But if negotiations continue to stall while tactical questions remain unanswered, Arsenal will no doubt continue to monitor developments very closely.
For now, the Gunners can do little more than wait, but every fresh update suggests this story still has some way to run.
Do you think Arsenal genuinely have a chance of signing Vinícius Jr this summer, or will Real Madrid eventually resolve both the contract situation and the tactical puzzle? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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I have the answer if we fail in our bid for Vinicius, lets help him out by making a multi-million pound bid for Mbappe. Everyone’s a winner.🤦♂️😂
no trust me …..not a joke …..some will say he doesn’t suit our dressing room
Its being more complicated by the arrival of Yan Diomande???
Doesn’t he play on the right?
No!
He is right footed but prefers left.
Yes !
yeah he played more games on the right then left last season
Played predominantly left for legannes, right for RB, and both for Ivory coast. Martinelli is Right footed plays left, Saka is left footed plays right, Madueke is right footed, plays left and right. Its not left or right anymore and Real are buying him to play left. Thats what I have read.
And Vjr has just rejected his latest pay offer?
not really you play him.on the right where he mostly plays
Not really and not true?
It is factually true he’s played more on the right then the left last season
hence why Davi asked
you not liking it has nothing to do with it
I never said, he had “nothing” to do with the right? I actually replied 5 minutes later, before you did to say, he IS right footed? But HE prefers the left? Twisting again, to make an argument? 🥱
no
Davi says doesn’t he play on the right
you said No
you then said he prefers left
I then simply pointed out he played more on the right last season.
you said not true ?
so yes . it’s true lol
Marca, did an analysis on his left or right contribution and they said his figures are better on the left. So, if he doesn’t play on the left, why did they do that?
They would be beyond stupid to sign another left-sided player – it would be worse than our obsession with defenders. The major problem they had when signing mbappe was how to fit a player who likes to drift left into a team who’s other best player is a left winger – if they bought another expensive left winger, it would be stupid because it’s simply prolonging and exacerbating a known problem, completely unnecessarily.
Davi asked does he play on the right
you said No
he played on the right 26 times last season and on the left 10
so yes he plays on the right