EPL: ‘He would have destroyed them’ – Petit happy Vinicius Jr didn’t join Arsenal

Former Chelsea player Emmanuel Petit has expressed his opinion regarding the potential transfer of Vinicius Jr. to Arsenal. In an interview with BoyleSports, Petit acknowledged the Brazilian's exceptional talent, but expressed concerns about his mentality being a mismatch for the Gunners. Petit stated that while Vinicius Jr. is undoubtedly an incredibly gifted player, he is uncertain if his mentality aligns well with the team dynamics at Arsenal.

He highlighted the challenges Mikel Arteta might face in managing the forward's ego, which could complicate the squad environment. Petit mentioned that he has observed many humble players at Arsenal, and introducing someone with a different mentality could potentially be problematic, especially considering Arteta's management style.

Petit referenced a recent incident between Vinicius Jr. and José Mourinho in the Real Betis vs. Real Madrid match, drawing parallels to Xabi Alonso's refusal to shake hands last season. Petit believes that despite facing criticism from fans, the media, and social platforms, Vinicius Jr. has shown an inappropriate message during those instances.

The former Chelsea player feels that Vinicius Jr. represents a fortunate escape for Arsenal, considering the criticism he has received. Petit also expressed his desire to see a player of Vinicius Jr.'s caliber at Arsenal, but acknowledged that the forward's mentality and ego would likely have created a challenging environment to manage.

Recently, Vinicius Jr. signed a new contract with Real Madrid, ensuring his stay at the club until 2032.