Arsenal 'green light first-XI exits' to fund Vinicius Junior move as talks advance overnight
Arsenal have given the green light to multiple exits from their first-team squad if they can secure the services of Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior.
That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Gunners will need to balance the books if they land the 26-year-old.
Mikel Arteta's side are huge admirers of the Brazilian, and have pushed to try and sign him this summer in what would be a British record deal.
Wyness believes that a move for Vinicius would be a huge statement of intent from Arsenal, and would also significantly boost the Premier League's global brand.
Journalist David Ornstein reported on Saturday that Vinicius is entering a crunch stage of his talks over his Real Madrid future, with the options of a contract extension or a move to the Emirates Stadium both on the table.
The wideman would be a huge signing for Arsenal if they could get it done, but Wyness believes that there would be inevitable repercussions for the rest of the squad.
Vinicius Junior move a 'stretch' for Arsenal
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Arsenal are taking their chase of Vinicius very "seriously" at the moment.
The Scottish businessman believes that it could prove to be a "stretch" for them in a financial sense, and feels that sales will inevitably follow if the deal gets done.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, he explained that Vinicius joining the Gunners would add "big numbers" to the Premier League's global audiences.
"It will mean some sales of some description. And so, you know, they want to try and make him a marquee player," Wyness said.
"It'd be great to see somebody of that skill playing in the Premier League, become a real headline stopper for us, and we'd be watching his progress very much, and it would add big numbers to the Premier League globally as well.
"There's a lot for it, and it is a real sign of intent from Arsenal, and I think they are taking it seriously. So yes, I think they can do it. It'll be a stretch.
"But, it would be one of those transformational signings if it comes off."
Who are Arsenal likely to sell?
Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson recently told Football Insider that Gabriel Martinelli is highly likely to leave Arsenal.
The winger is part of a group of several players who find themselves on the chopping block this summer, as Arteta and Co. look to revamp the squad.
Ben White's exit is also expected, while the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Christian Norgaard are expected to be moved on.
Arteta also faces pivotal decisions in a pair of the club's top young talents, with both Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri enduring difficult campaigns last time out.