Paul Merson claims Vinicius is "playing games" with Arsenal, and the Gunners should turn their attention to Paris Saint-Germain winger Barcola.

According to English media reports, news last week suggested Vinicius was Arsenal's top target this summer, and Mikel Arteta was very interested in bringing the 26-year-old Brazilian star to the Emirates Stadium. Vinicius's contract with Real Madrid is entering its final year, and renewal talks broke down after last year's Club World Cup. However, Arsenal suffered a major blow as Vinicius is reportedly prioritizing a contract extension with Real Madrid. Mourinho also strongly opposes losing the Brazilian superstar. It is understood that Real Madrid has arranged a new round of talks with Vinicius's team in the coming days, and Arsenal's pursuit of the 2024 Ballon d'Or runner-up is likely to have fallen through.

Former Arsenal and England midfielder Paul Merson wrote in his Sky Sports column: "Vinicius is just trying to get a new contract at Real Madrid, he's playing games with Arsenal. But that just shows where Arsenal are now - they're competing with Real Madrid for top players, and that's a big problem for other Premier League teams."

Premier League champions Arsenal have also been rumored to have a strong interest in Barcola in recent weeks, with Arteta hoping to strengthen his attack with a truly world-class talent for the new season. Although Paris Saint-Germain has slapped a staggering £145 million price tag on Barcola, Merson believes Arsenal has no choice but to shift their focus from Vinicius to the French winger.

Merson added: "If Arsenal can't get Vinicius, then they have to sign Barcola. They need a left-winger, especially after Trossard left, that position is severely understaffed. If Arsenal can't get both Vinicius and Barcola, that will be a big problem."

Merson also believes that Arsenal might regret letting go of "excellent player" Trossard to Besiktas. "In my opinion, letting Trossard go was not a good deal, he left for almost nothing. I don't believe half the Premier League teams weren't after him. Last season he played in all of Arsenal's important games, he's an excellent footballer. There are many good players, but not many who can really play, and Trossard is the latter."

The Arsenal first team is currently preparing in Italy, where they will play Girona on Saturday, kicking off a busy pre-season. Arteta's team will then travel to Dublin to face Betis, followed by back-to-back matches against Borussia Dortmund and Como at the Emirates Stadium. Before the start of the new Premier League season, Arsenal's first real test will be the Community Shield against Manchester City on August 16th. Five days later, the defending Premier League champions will begin their title defense at home against promoted side Coventry City.

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