Vinícius Jr is one of the biggest names in world football.

Which is why Arsenal suddenly being linked with him has caught plenty of attention.

According to several reports, Arsenal are keeping a close eye on the Real Madrid winger as uncertainty continues over his contract situation in Spain. There’s no suggestion a deal is close, but the rumours are growing louder.

Real Madrid still want to tie the Brazilian down to a new contract, although negotiations haven’t been straightforward. That has inevitably led to clubs across Europe being mentioned, with Arsenal among them.

Would it actually happen?

That’s a different question.

Signing Vinícius would almost certainly require a club-record transfer fee and wages unlike anything Arsenal have handed out before. On paper, it feels unlikely.

Then again, transfer windows have a habit of producing stories nobody expected a few weeks earlier.

For now, Arsenal fans probably shouldn’t start clearing space for a new shirt just yet.

But it’s one of those rumours that’s interesting enough to keep an eye on.