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Arsenal's quest to improve Mikel Arteta's attacking options was in full swing in the summer, as the Gunners wanted to sign a left-winger after selling Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. Despite signing Christos Tzolis, Arsenal wanted that real X-factor, and that led them to Vinicius Jr.
The Real Madrid star looked to have played his last game in the famous white at the end of last season, as Arsenal were in talks to sign him and were very close to agreeing a deal with the Brazilian international. Reports last month even claimed that Vini Jr's teammates believed he was moving to North London at one stage.
However, Vinicius Jr. decided to stay put at Madrid under Jose Mourinho. He signed a new six-year contract at the Bernabeu worth around £21 million per year instead of coming to Arsenal. At the time, it felt like a good move from a Madrid point of view, as they were able to keep one of their talismans and figureheads, but it hasn't worked out that way.
Arsenal dodged a bullet
It's been a struggle this season for Vinicius Jr., as he has just one goal so far, which came in Madrid's second La Liga match of the season in a 4-1 win against Real Sociedad. He had appeared to score in their most recent league game against Villarreal, coming off the bench to score in the 62nd minute.
However, upon video review, the goal was disallowed as he was seen to pull Villarreal midfielder Nathan Saliba's hair in the build-up; he was then dismissed by the referee. He is now set for at least a two-match ban in La Liga, as the Athletic claims it could be extended because of the "aggressive attitude" of his reaction to the referee's decision.
Vini Jr's latest misdemeanour shows that Arsenal really dodged a bullet by not signing him. For a start, Mikel Arteta would not want a player who has an "aggressive attitude", but also consider that the Gunners would have had to pay close to £150 million for Vinicius Jr. and don't even mention his potential wage bill.
For a player who's only been able to score one goal in eight games for a Real Madrid side that usually dominates any team they play against in the league, under a manager with the calibre of Jose Mourinho, £150m is no bargain.
There's also the fact that the noise and attention around Vini Jr. is always so heightened, causing a distraction to the media, the fans, and potentially his teammates. Arteta would not have wanted to upset the apple cart after winning his first Premier League title with the Gunners. It just seems more and more that Arsenal unwillingly dodged a bullet by failing to sign Vinicius Jr.
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