Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has put an end to any suggestions of a transfer for Real Madrid Star after Arsenal’s summer pursuit.
Arsenal had been monitoring the contract situation in the Spanish Capital as they looked to bolster their attacking options heading into the new season.
The North London club had an outstanding 2025/26 campaign, having won the Premier League after 22 years and reaching only their second Champions League final.
However, Mourinho, returning to the Bernabeu this season after a 13 year absence, broke his silence on the situation in his first press conference since returning to the helm of Los Blancos.
The Portuguese manager will be looking to take Madrid back to the summit of Spanish and European football this season after Los Blancos suffered their first trophyless season in 5 years, and will need the help of his most recognisable names in order to do so.
Vinicius wanted to stay, claims Mourinho
Vinicius Jr had been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates this summer, having entered the final year of his Real Madrid contract with no sign of a renewal.
However, the Brazilian’s manager was confident of keeping his star left winger, and has snuffed out any speculation surrounding the saga once and for all.
Speaking to reporters before Real Madrid’s opening fixture against Espanyol, Mourinho has insisted that the 26 year old forward never had any doubts about staying at the Bernabeu.
“The news wasn’t a surprise,” said the 63-year-old. “When I arrived and was told about his contractual situation, my first question was, ‘Does he want to stay or not?’ And he wanted to stay. It was a matter of numbers and his agents, but he wants to stay.
“At that moment, I was completely calm. I don’t want to assess whether he’s the best in the world, one of the top three, or one of the top ten. It’s a game I don’t like much, but he’s surely one of the best players in the world. And the best have to be here.
“I don’t know why he’s had some issues in the past with other coaches. He wants to win. He knows perfectly what I want from him from a tactical point of view.
“I think he’s happy, confident in how we’re preparing for matches, and he wants to win from day one, even before signing his new contract. Every little conversation we had always ended with ‘let’s improve, let’s win again, and let’s be happy again.’”
Arsenal turn attention elsewhere after Vinicius Jr snub
Mikel Arteta had been said to be seriously invested in bringing Vinicius Jr to London this summer, having been in the market for an upgrade in the left wing department, having lost Leandro Trossard to Besiktas in July.
So high was the confidence that it was rumoured the dressing room considered it a ‘done deal’ after conversations with sporting director Andrea Berta.
Vinicius was said to be keen on a move to London if his contract situation with Madrid could not be resolved, with the English Champions set to offer the Brazilian £30 million per year, plus 100% of his image rights.
However, Vinicius ultimately put pen to paper on a new six-year deal to end any speculation and leave the Gunners to search elsewhere in their attempts to bolster their attacking options as they look to retain their Premier League title for the first time in the clubs history.
1 Comment
Interesting update on the transfer situation. It’s always fascinating to see how a player’s desire to stay can influence the final outcome. After following football news like this, I like taking a quick break with Meowdoku to relax.