And, so, Florentino Perez finally found a way to keep Vinicius Junior at the Bernabeu. Hands up if you saw that twist coming.The Brazilian leaving for Arsenal was always an ambitious move by the north London side. Arsenal were waiting in the wings had the 26-year-old not agreed an extension at Real Madrid, with the club’s ownership fully behind pushing ahead with a move for the Brazil international.When push came to shove, however, Madrid found a way to bridge the financial gap between their initial offers and Vinicius’ expectations. As The Athletic reported on Thursday, the package reflects his importance to Madrid and their project. Vinicius has now officially extended his contract until 2032.The sugar rush that Vinicius would have been open to the move hit hard for Arsenal fans. A genuine superstar forward in his prime years willing to leave the most storied club in the world for the Emirates? This must be the aura that being Premier League champions brings.That sugar rush is over. It is not clear what Arsenal’s plans are now. But The Athletic has taken a look at the market and Arsenal’s squad. Below, we give our answers to the question: what should Arsenal do now that Vinicius is off the table?Target another elite winger (if one is available)To pull off the signing of someone who has over 30 goals and assists in each of his last five seasons at Madrid — and who finished second in the 2024 Ballon d’Or — would have been transformational for Arsenal’s psyche. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexis Sanchez were elite players signed from big clubs, but Mesut Ozil is the only signing this century who could be argued was a genuine show-stopper.It was the right ambition from Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta. This is the level they should be shopping at now. No more squad padding, no more hybrid efficiency. Ceiling raisers rather than floor raisers.To reach the next level, Arsenal require greater individual quality and ingenuity. It was the only ingredient missing last season, often painfully so. It is a peculiar thing, to be Premier League champions and Champions League runners-up but not have a single attacking player who would be guaranteed to walk into most other teams in the world. It is a testament to their synergy, the organisation, and how they fight for every last edge.Vinicius would have changed that, but there is not a queue of gettable superstars waiting to be swooped up this summer. Arsenal can only deal in the market available, however. With the other elite wingers tied up at European competitors, they all come with caveats.