Former Chelsea player Emmanuel Petit has said that signing Vinicius Jr. would have been detrimental to Arsenal.
He acknowledged the Brazilian’s exceptional talent but believes his mentality is not suitable for the Gunners.
In a conversation with BoyleSports, Petit said that signing Vinicius Jr. would have been a significant acquisition in terms of ability. However, he expressed concerns that Mikel Arteta would face challenges in managing the forward’s ego, complicating squad dynamics.
He stated, “I consider Vinicius Jr to be an incredibly gifted player. However, regarding his mentality, I am uncertain if he aligns well with the team. That is merely my perspective. I watch numerous humble players at Arsenal. Therefore, introducing someone who is entirely different could pose a problem, particularly given Arteta’s management style. Consider the incident between Vinicius Jr and José Mourinho in the recent match between Real Betis and Real Madrid.
“It reminded me of the situation with Xabi Alonso last season when he refused to shake his hand. Vinicius Jr faces considerable criticism from fans, the media, and social platforms, yet during those instances, he showed an inappropriate message. I believe he represents a fortunate escape for Arsenal, considering that moment. While I would have loved to see a player of Vinicius Jr.’s calibre at Arsenal, his mentality and ego would likely have created a challenging environment to manage.”
Vinicius Jr. has recently signed a new contract with Real Madrid, ensuring his stay at the club until 2032.