Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes the club may have avoided a difficult dressing-room situation by failing to sign Vinícius Júnior from Real Madrid during the summer transfer window. While praising the Brazilian’s ability, Petit questioned whether his personality and public conduct would fit Mikel Arteta’s team culture.

“I think Vinícius Junior is a really talented player but, in terms of his mentality, I am not sure he is a good fit for Arsenal,” Petit told BoyleSports. “I see so many humble players at Arsenal, so if you suddenly bring in someone who is completely different, it can be a problem—especially with Arteta’s style of management.”

Arsenal were linked with a move for Vinícius after uncertainty emerged over his Real Madrid future, but the forward ultimately signed a new long-term contract at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Gunners also failed to complete a move for Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez, instead strengthening their attack with other targets during the window.

Petit pointed to a recent touchline incident involving Vinícius and Real Madrid manager José Mourinho during Madrid’s 1–0 defeat at Real Betis. Vinícius appeared to react negatively when substituted, and Petit compared the episode with a reported disagreement involving former Madrid manager Xabi Alonso last season.

“Look at what happened between Vinícius and José Mourinho in the last game between Real Betis and Real Madrid,” Petit said. “It reminded me of what happened with Xabi Alonso last season when he did not want to shake his hand. Vinícius receives so much criticism from fans, the press and social media, but in those moments he is sending the wrong message.”

Petit said Arsenal may have “dodged a bullet,” arguing that Vinícius’s reported ego and the demands of managing a superstar could have created complications for Arteta.

“I would have loved to see a player with the talent of Vinícius Junior play for Arsenal,” Petit said. “But with his mentality and his ego, I think it would have made for a really difficult situation to cope with.”

Mourinho has publicly defended Vinícius amid the recent criticism, saying the Brazilian is not yet at his best but has continued to work hard for the team. The Madrid manager praised Vinícius’s defensive effort in the Champions League win over Inter Milan and said he expects the winger to recover his decisive attacking form.