Emmanuel Petit thinks Arsenal dodged a bullet by missing out on summer signing

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·14 September 2026

Emmanuel Petit thinks Arsenal dodged a bullet by missing out on summer signing

Arsenal were ready to spend big on a marquee signing in the last transfer window, with two names on their shortlist, both of whom play in the Spanish La Liga.

The Gunners were among the top teams focusing on quality over quantity, a strategy that frustrated some supporters. Fans were already dreaming of seeing Vinicius Junior or Julian Alvarez playing for their team this term, but Arsenal had a clear preference between the two targets.

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Arsenal wanted Vinicius Junior

The player they had the strongest interest in was Vini Jr with the Brazilian reportedly open to a move because he was not getting what he wanted from Real Madrid in negotiations over a new deal.

There was a real possibility that he could change clubs, and Arsenal wanted to make him their next major signing. The Gunners were waiting and preparing to break their wage structure for the Brazilian, showing just how highly they rated him.

However, the move ultimately did not happen. Junior agreed to the terms of a new contract in Madrid, bringing Arsenal’s pursuit to an end and leaving the Gunners without the marquee addition they had considered making during the window.

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Petit questions Arsenal move

Emmanuel Petit believes the failure to sign Junior could prove to be a blessing in disguise for Arsenal. The former player feels the Gunners may have made a poor decision if they had brought the Brazilian to the Emirates, particularly because of concerns over his mentality.

Petit said via Mirror Football:

“I think Vinicius Jnr is a really talented player, but in terms of his mentality I am not sure he is a good fit for Arsenal. That’s just my opinion.

“I see so many humble players at Arsenal so if you all of a sudden bring in someone who is completely different, it can be a problem, especially with Arteta’s style of management.”

Petit’s comments suggest that Arsenal’s decision to pursue Junior was not necessarily the right one, despite the quality the Brazilian could have brought to the squad. His concerns focus on how a new personality could affect the existing group.

For Arsenal, the failure to complete the move means they avoided making a major change to their wage structure for a player Petit does not believe would have fitted perfectly into Arteta’s team.

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