They may have suffered a slight setback by drawing against Liverpool last week, but Arsenal still look on course for an incredible season this year.
After six years in the role, it feels like this is finally the campaign in which Mikel Arteta leads his team to the finish line as Premier League champions.
The Spaniard’s team is almost unrecognizable today compared to the one he first led in December 2019.
In fact, the only player who has remained in the manager’s squad is the incredible Bukayo Saka, and it now appears that Arsenal are considering a potentially game-changing signing that could be another version of the Englishman.
Arsenal target their next Saka
Although they are yet to cross the finish line, most fans and pundits would agree that the team Arsenal have built in recent years is one of the best in the Premier League.
Players like William Saliba, Declan Rice, David Raya, Jurrien Timber, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Maghalese, for example, would almost certainly be on most other teams in the league.
However, as with all teams, there are a few weaker areas, with most fans probably agreeing that the offense could be better.
Fortunately, the club seem to share this sentiment and are reportedly looking for someone who could be a real game-changer in that regard, another Saka-type player.
At least that’s according to a recent Spanish report, according to which Arsenal are one of several teams now interested in Vinícius Júnior.
Yes, the report revealed that due to the Brazilian’s incredible off-field ability and potential, the Gunners have shown ‘real interest’ in him.
However, the same report also makes it clear that rivals Chelsea are currently ahead of all interested parties and would be willing to make a mammoth €150 million offer for the player if he does not renew his contract with Real Madrid.
This equates to around £130million and would comfortably be the new record for north Londoners.
That said, given Vini Jr’s incredible ability and winning mentality, he could be a player worth breaking the bank to sign, especially as he could be another Saka-type star for Arsenal.
Why Vinícius Júnior would be another Saka for Arsenal
Now, it must be said that there are of course differences between Vini Jr and Saka; After all, no two players are the same.
However, there are several reasons why signing the Brazilian could amount to getting another version of the Englishman for Arsenal.
Firstly, both players are international wingers in their own right who not only score goals for their teams but also help create them.
For example, since his first team debut, Hale Ender has scored 77 goals and provided 77 assists in 290 matches, totaling 21,835 minutes.
That works out to one goal every 1.88 games, or one every 141.78 minutes, which is extremely impressive considering he started at left back.
Likewise, the “unstoppable” São Gonçalo-born superstar, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has amassed a total of 111 goals and 91 assists in 348 appearances, totaling 24,969 minutes, for Real Madrid.
This gives an even better average of goal involvement per 1.72 matches, or every 123.60 minutes, and more than justifies Jürgen Klopp’s previous claim that he is a “world class” player.
This brings us to the second similarity: at different points in their careers, both players have been seen as the face of their team and, in turn, have been more reliable than some of their teammates.
Finally, in addition to everything you can see with your own eyes, FBref also ranked Saka as the tenth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Real Madrid star in Europe’s top five leagues.
|
Vini Jr and Saka |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics for 90 |
Vini Jr. |
Of |
|
Expected goals without penalty |
0.31 |
0.29 |
|
Goals per shot |
0.08 |
0.07 |
|
Goals per shot on target |
0.20 |
0.19 |
|
Key passes |
2.18 |
2.34 |
|
Tackles won |
0.71 |
0.70 |
|
Blocks |
0.96 |
1.01 |
|
All statistics via FBref |
||
The best way to understand how such a conclusion was reached is to look at some of the underlying numbers for which the pair ranks closest.
These include things like non-penalty expected goals, goals per shot and shot on target, key passes, tackles won and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, although it would require a herculean effort, Arsenal should go all out to sign Vini Jr this year as he could become the club’s left back, Saka.
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