Lee Dixon Sees Arsenal Missing Out on Vinicius Junior as a Positive Move

Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon suggests that Vinicius Junior used interest from the Gunners to secure a better contract at Real Madrid. Despite Arsenal missing out on the Brazilian star, Dixon argues that this situation ultimately benefits the club and sends a strong signal to Premier League rivals.

Vinicius Commits to Real Madrid

Recently, Arsenal were linked with a high-profile move for the Real Madrid forward. Instead of moving to London, Vinicius chose to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu, signing a lucrative new deal. Dixon believes this was no accident but rather part of a calculated strategy by the player's camp.

Player’s Representatives Playing Their Cards

In an interview with BestBettingSites, Dixon expressed doubts that the transfer would ever come to fruition. He said the player’s team leveraged Arsenal’s genuine interest to negotiate improved terms with Real Madrid.

“Funny that, isn’t it? Yeah, I think Vinicius’ team were playing the game. I don’t think Arsenal not getting him hurts us, and I actually think it did the club a lot of good to throw their hat in the ring because it shows real intent,” Dixon said. “Whether it was a completely serious pursuit or not, it’s a very complicated transfer to pull off.”

Dixon added that showing such ambition benefits Arsenal’s reputation among rivals like Manchester City and Manchester United. It creates a perception that Arsenal are raising their ambitions and forces competitors to respond accordingly.

Dixon Supports Tzolis as Arsenal’s Left Wing Option

Looking at Arsenal’s current options on the left wing, Dixon highlighted new signing Christos Tzolis as a promising talent who could improve the attack.

“I’ve always said about that left-wing position – even the season before they won the league – I don’t think you win the Premier League with Leandro Trossard as your starting left winger. Last season he played some important games and scored crucial goals, but it has become more of a squad role with him and Gabriel Martinelli rotating well together.”

“The player who stands out for me is Tzolis. I really like this kid. He seems like the next level up from Trossard. Martinelli is unpredictable, so we should give Tzolis some freedom in the first six or seven games and see how he does.”

Dixon also jokingly suggested bringing back Ryan Giggs for some inspiration.

Upcoming Fixtures for Arsenal and Real Madrid

With the transfer saga behind them, Arsenal turn their focus to the pitch. The Gunners will play a friendly against Italian club Como on 12 August, followed by the Community Shield clash with Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Vinicius prepares for the new season at Real Madrid under head coach Jose Mourinho. The team has pre-season friendlies lined up against Deportivo La Coruna and Schalke before their La Liga opener against Espanyol on 22 August.

• Arsenal vs Como: 12 Aug 2026, 20:30
• Deportivo de A Coruna vs Real Madrid: 12 Aug 2026, 21:00