Vini Jr shares his thoughts as Jose Mourinho talks about Real Madrid’s transfer plans with Arsenal showing interest
Arsenal’s transfer target Vinicius Junior has finally shared an update about his future after returning to Real Madrid training.
After weeks of rumors about Vini Jr and Arsenal’s interest, the Brazilian forward came back to Real Madrid training on Monday, August 3. He took part in routine pre-season medical tests before doing a double training session with the new Real Madrid coach, Jose Mourinho.
Behind the scenes, his agents are busy since Vini Jr’s current Real contract only has 12 months left. On Monday, ESPN said Real Madrid made a better contract offer, even though talks stalled last season. The club’s latest deal is around £19.1 million a year (about £367,000 a week), but Vini Jr reportedly wants closer to £26 million a year.
If he lets his contract run out, Vini Jr could leave for free next summer — a tough situation for Real Madrid. They want to get about £145 million for him, but Arsenal values the 26-year-old closer to £128.5 million, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
Sport also reported that Arsenal is willing to offer Vini Jr the highest salary ever in the Premier League, close to what Mbappe earns at Real Madrid. But for the deal to work, Real Madrid would have to lower their asking price. Real president Florentino Perez wants €170 million, while Arsenal hopes for less than €150 million. There’s still room to negotiate, and Arsenal is serious about signing him.
For the first time since the Arsenal links started, Vini Jr spoke through Real Madrid’s official channels. He said Mourinho wants him to be happy at the club and that his meetings with the coach and teammates have “gone very well.”
“Mourinho wants me to be as I’ve always been: happy, cheerful, and playing my football,” Vini Jr said. “We have to prepare physically so we get fewer injuries during the season and everyone can play. Monday was a double session, Tuesday is just one. We did gym work and a short leg workout. It was a good training and we’re all tired now, but it’s time to rest. Pre-season is like this. We have to be ready.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal have already signed Illan Meslier, Christos Tzolis, and Piero Hincapié this summer. Mikel Arteta’s team will next play Real Betis in Dublin on August 5, then face Borussia Dortmund and Como at the Emirates Stadium on August 9 and 12. After that, the Gunners will meet Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 16 before starting their Premier League season at home against Coventry on August 21.