Vinicius Jr: Ex-Premier League star warns Arsenal about the dangers of signing Real Madrid star

Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given has warned that Arsenal’s ambitious pursuit of Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior could disrupt the harmonious dressing room culture established under manager Mikel Arteta.

​The North London club are actively trying to exploit an ongoing contract standoff between the 26-year-old Brazilian international and the Spanish giants to land one of the best players in world football.

​Arsenal executives are reportedly prepared to make a monumental financial commitment to secure his signature, indicating the club’s elevated status and immense spending power.

Given acknowledged the winger’s world-class ability but expressed concerns about how his arrival might impact the unified squad mentality.

​”Could Vinicius Junior be the sort of player to add the quality Arsenal need in the final third? Yes, and it shows you the level that Arsenal are at that this sort of deal is even being spoken about, and of course the financial power they now have to back it up,” Given said.

​”Can you imagine the financial package that would be needed to bring a player like Vinicius Jr to Arsenal? It would be huge numbers all round across the transfer fee, the wages and all the clauses and add-ons.”

​”Arsenal have become renowned over the last couple of years for being this team that has a real togetherness after moving on the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil. Everyone in that squad now feels like they’re pulling in the same direction,” Given added.

​”I’m not saying Vinicius Jr doesn’t defend or wouldn’t fit into that group but it’s a risk. But I suppose you have to take risks to bring something different to a team like that, and he’s a brilliant player. It would be the biggest transfer news of the year if Arsenal signed him,” Given concluded.

​Arteta has famously demonstrated a ruthless approach to squad discipline throughout his managerial tenure, previously pushing out high-profile stars like Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for disruptive behaviour.

​Given fears that integrating a global superstar with astronomical wage demands could shatter the collective ethos that has propelled Arsenal back to the summit of English football.

​Despite the interest and financial packages being prepared in London, Vinicius is widely believed to prefer remaining at Real Madrid if a suitable agreement can be reached.

​The attacker recently returned to pre-season training in the Spanish capital, where he held positive discussions with newly appointed Real Madrid manager José Mourinho.

​According to the player, Mourinho explicitly told him that he wants him to be happy, joyful, and to continue playing his natural style of football.

​The Spanish champions sent the forward an improved contract offer today to resolve the standoff, and subsequent negotiations are said to be going swimmingly.

​A successful renewal would secure the long-term future of a player who has established himself as a talisman at the Santiago Bernabéu.

In his incredibly decorated spell with Real Madrid so far, Vinicius notably secured the UEFA Champions League title twice, a fact reminds allies and oppositions alike.