Gabriel Martinelli has already told Arsenal why they should break the bank for Vinicius Junior
Arsenal are exploring a sensational move to sign Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior this summer.
The 26-year-old has just one year remaining on his contract in Spain, with negotiations over an extension seemingly hitting an impasse.
Official contact is reportedly yet to take place, but the Premier League champions are ready to make an offer should the Brazilian be set to leave.
Vini Jr's wage demands would likely make him the Premier League's highest paid player, if Arsenal are ready to match them.
The forward scored 22 goals and provided 10 assists across all competitions last season, and is widely acknowledged among the best left-sided attackers in world football.
Mikel Arteta's demand for a big signing in that area has seen Arsenal miss out of Morgan Rogers and be linked to Bradley Barcola this summer, with Christos Tzolis arriving to replace Leandro Trossard this week.
What Gabriel Martinelli said about Vinicius Junior
A move for Vini Jr would appear to be the culmination of everything Arsenal have done since Arteta's arrival in 2019.
The Gunners have bought players on the cusp of stardom for so long, eventually turning them into champions last season.
But over the last couple of transfer windows, they have looked for ready-made superstars - Vini Jr is the best of the best.
The Brazil international could well have the pick of any club in Europe to join if he leaves on a free next summer, but Arsenal appear to have picked a perfect moment to make their case.
With the Gunners, there would be no need for the ego-battle he shares with Kylian Mbappe in Madrid, he would undoubtedly be the main man.
There are friends for him in North London, too, Gabriel, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and even the potentially arriving Bruno Guimaraes, know him well.
Speaking in 2024, Martinelli said: "It is a great pride to play with Vinicius, to be with him every day as well.
"I see a special boy who deserves it. In my opinion, he deserves to win the Ballon d’Or. It is a healthy competition [in the Brazil squad] and people have to make the most of that. It is a pleasure to play with Vinicius and Rodrygo.”
Vini Jr arrival could mean exits
Should Arsenal actually be able to pull off an unbelievable move for Vini Jr this summer, exits elsewhere will have to follow.
Jesus' contract runs out next summer but there may well be a push to see him leave in the coming weeks, with the 29-year-old on significant wages.
Martinelli may also be personally-motivated to leave, with both Tzolis and the potential new arrival above him in the pecking order on the left.
If Arsenal are to pull off such an expensive and ambitious deal, cuts will have to be made elsewhere.