Not Every Gooner Is Sold on Vinicius Jr – Opinion

Arsenal’s dressing room should embrace elite competition

Mikel Arteta has built a squad that has long followed non-negotiable principles, working for a manager who won’t tolerate anyone failing to meet his standards. Do you risk destroying that by bringing in a superstar?

I actually think that suggestion is disrespectful to a group of professional athletes.

These are young men who grew up dreaming of getting paid to play the sport they love. Not only have they surpassed that ambition, they now compete for the biggest trophies in football.

Naturally, shouldn’t they want to give themselves the best possible chance of success?

Surely the more world-class teammates you have, the greater your chances of winning?

I’d be amazed if Declan Rice wouldn’t want to train alongside one of the very best.

I would be shocked if Bukayo Saka wouldn’t be excited by one of the world’s finest players helping the club he has supported since childhood.

The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Roy Keane have explained they didn’t socialise with many teammates outside of work.

They were respectful professionals, but they didn’t necessarily see their colleagues as friends.

Of course, you’d rather a team got along, but ultimately a squad isn’t built on a popularity contest.

No one wears that red and white shirt purely out of love. It’s their job, and they are paid handsomely to do it.

Part of that job is training and playing alongside whoever your manager tells you to.

If you’re bothered by someone else’s salary (the likes of Kai Havertz would have some nerve to) or their commercial deals, then work harder.

If a dressing room feels threatened by competition, then drive them to the nearest airport.

What do you think, Gooners? Would Vinicius Jr. elevate Arsenal to another level, or do you share the concerns about how he might affect the dressing room? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________