North London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea are set for a fresh showdown, this time in the January transfer market, as both clubs vie for the signature of Marseille's highly-rated teenage striker Robinio Vaz.
Gunners Eye Long-Term Striking Solution
The interest comes amid uncertainty over the long-term future of Arsenal's Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus. Despite scoring in a 4-1 victory over Aston Villa at the Emirates in late December 2025—his first goal since returning from an ACL injury—Jesus's contract is set to expire in June 2027.
By that point, the striker will be 30, and with a history of injury concerns, the club is reportedly assessing younger options. While some fans are excited by Jesus's recent return to form, the potential acquisition of Viktor Gyokeres has not yet met all expectations, prompting the club to look ahead.
Who is Robinio Vaz?
According to reports from French publication FootMercato, 18-year-old Robinio Vaz has emerged as a prime target. The Marseille wonderkid is already making an impression in Ligue 1, having made 22 senior appearances, scoring four goals and providing three assists.
His potential is held in extremely high regard. Marseille manager Roberto Di Zerbi has publicly praised the youngster, telling Le Phoceen: “He’s a very precious young player for me and for OM because he’s part of the club’s heritage.” Chelsea are also understood to be keen, viewing him as a future world-class talent.
While his estimated market value is around £9 million, any transfer fee is expected to be significantly higher, reflecting his enormous potential.
What Happens Next for Jesus and Arsenal?
The pursuit of Vaz signals Arsenal's planning for a future beyond Gabriel Jesus. Since joining from Manchester City in July 2022, Jesus has contributed 26 goals and 20 assists in 100 appearances.
If he maintains a world-class level of performance over the next 18 months, the club could face a difficult decision on whether to offer a new contract or allow him to leave as a free agent in 2027. For now, the immediate focus is on strengthening the squad, with the January transfer window presenting an opportunity to secure one of Europe's most promising attacking talents.
