Arsenal’s Vinicius Jr: Arteta seeks to sign thrilling winger

Robin Bairner

• 30 Oct 2024 07:40 GMT
• 6 min read

Arsenal’s search for a wing continues after Mikel Arteta failed to land such a player on a permanent basis in the summer, and he has turned his attentions to a player comparable to Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.

Arsenal did succeed in a late move for Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea in the summer transfer window, but FootballTransfers has exclusively revealed that the early indications are that the Gunners will not make a permanent move for the England international.

The Emirates club, though, still need a long-term alternative to Bukayo Saka, whose recent absence due to injury coincided with a shock defeat to Bournemouth. As such, Arsenal are still attentive to the transfer market.

One possibility that has emerged is a deal for Barcelona winger Ferran Torres.

The 24-year-old finds himself out of favour at Camp Nou following the re-emergence of Raphinha this season as well as the startling form of Lamine Yamal.

Sport (via Sport Witness) reports that both Arsenal and Aston Villa are interested in the player and “willing to pay a reasonable price” to sign him.

Barcelona, though, do not want to let any players leave in January. If anyone does depart at that juncture, it is likelier to be Ansu Fati, the report indicates.

STATS

Ferran Torres

F (RL)

Barcelona

Ferran Torres

F (RL)

Barcelona

La Liga

2024/25

• 8

  Games

• 1

  Goals

• 2

  Assists

View all stats

Ferran Torres is ideal Saka support

Ferran, meanwhile, does tick several important boxes from Arsenal’s perspective, with Premier League experience something that Arteta values. The former Valencia star possesses this following an 18-month stint with Manchester City.

Furthermore, at just 24, he is still a relatively young player who is yet to peak.

On top of this, data analytic experts believe he is very similar in style to Arsenal winger Saka, who the Gunners have struggled to find cover for following his explosion into the first team.

Ferran Torres vs Vinicius Junior: Playing style comparison

Torres is actually even close in style to the likes of Raphinha and Vinicius Junior, according to data analytics experts SciSports. Although he is unlikely to reach the heights Vini Jr has in his career – the Brazilian was robbed of the Ballon d’Or, according to Real Madrid – he is approximately the same standard as his Barcelona colleague.

With an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €31.5 million, he could prove to be a smart addition by the Gunners if they can get him for around that sort of figure.