Alan Pardew, the former Newcastle United boss, has declared that Arsenal's pursuit of Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior will end in success. The ex-manager believes the Gunners will seal the signing during this summer's transfer window and described it as an exceptional piece of business.
Arsenal have targeted the Brazilian star after he entered the final year of his Real Madrid contract. Talks between Vinicius and the Spanish club over a fresh deal have stalled, leaving the La Liga side facing a difficult choice.
Real Madrid must now decide whether to offload the 26-year-old this summer or watch him leave on a free transfer in 12 months. Speaking on talkSPORT, Pardew outlined why he's convinced the move will happen.
"What a signing that would be," he said. "I think this is a deal that will happen."
He pointed to the winger's previous connection with Jose Mourinho as a key factor. Pardew also highlighted the attractive lifestyle and financial perks that Arsenal could offer the player.
"When you think about the other side of the coin, you're playing for the champions Arsenal," Pardew noted. "They will put you in a house in Regent's Park, you can fly in and fly out your family at will because you'll have enough finance to do it."
The former manager dismissed any suggestion this deal might fall through. "That is a done deal in my book," he added.
"I think that is going to happen, more so than Bruno Guimaraes."
According to Pardew, acquiring Vinicius ranks above other targets on Arsenal's wishlist. "I think it is their number one target and probably has been for a while," he concluded.
