Paul Merson believes Vinicius does not want to leave Real Madrid and Arsenal should focus on signing Paris Saint-Germain winger Barcola.

Several media outlets reported last weekend that Vinicius had been identified as Arsenal's top target for this summer, with Mikel Arteta also reportedly keen to bring the 26-year-old to the Emirates.

Vinicius has just 12 months left on his Real Madrid contract, with talks over an extension breaking down after last year's Club World Cup.

However, Arsenal then suffered a major blow, with reports suggesting Vinicius would prioritise a new contract at the Bernabeu. Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho is reportedly strongly against losing the Brazil star.

Real Madrid are reportedly planning a new round of talks with Vinicius's team in the coming days, and Arsenal's interest in the 2024 Ballon d'Or runner-up is believed to be close to hopeless.

Merson said on Sky Sports: "Vinicius is just waiting for a new Real Madrid contract now. He's 'playing' Arsenal."

"But that's where Arsenal are now. That's the market they're in."

"Arsenal want to buy players from Real Madrid, and top players at that. This only shows Arsenal's position in the transfer market."

"In my opinion, this is a big problem for all other teams in the league."

The Premier League champions have also been heavily linked with Barcola in recent weeks, with Arteta hoping to bring in a truly world-class player to bolster his attack for the new season.

But Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly slapped a staggering £145m price tag on Barcola, and Merson believes Arsenal have no choice but to switch their focus from Vinicius to the French winger.

He added: "If Arsenal can't get Vinicius, then they have to get Barcola."

"They have to bring in a left winger, especially now that Trossard has left. They've left themselves very thin in that position."

"If Arsenal can't get both Vinicius and Barcola, that would be a big problem."

Merson believes Arsenal may regret letting "excellent player" Trossard leave in the future.

"In my opinion, letting Trossard leave wasn't a good deal - not at the price you sold him for."

"He was practically given away for free. I can't believe half the teams in the Premier League weren't chasing Trossard at the time. He played in all of Arsenal's big games last season, he's a very good player."

"There are many good players, but not many who can really play. He's one of the latter."

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