Vinicius Junior has spoken for the first time since being linked with a blockbuster summer move from Real Madrid to Arsenal. Vinicius Junior says new Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has told him to remain "happy", "joyful" and to just play his football as he attempts to thrash out his future.
Vinicius, who is out of contract next summer and is yet to agree a new deal, spoke to Real Madrid TV following his second day back. He said: "It has gone very well, getting to know the new coach and the new players and training very hard. "Mourinho wants me to be as I have always been: happy, joyful and to play my football. "We have to prepare physically so that during the season, we have fewer injuries and thus be able to count on everyone."
The 26-year-old, who has been one of the linchpins of Real Madrid’s attack in recent years, gave an upbeat assessment of his second day of pre-season training under Mourinho despite speculation linking him with a possible move to Arsenal.
While Vinicius continues to seek a salary close to €30m per season, it’s understood that Los Blancos will remain firm on its latest offer of €22 million annually as they have no plans to increase it. Madrid have reportedly told the winger that their latest offer of a new deal is final and that there will be no further negotiations or increase in their proposal. As such, the report also states that the situation has resulted in Arsenal's confidence is growing over a deal for the 26-year-old, with the transfer fee expected to be around €150m (£128m).
If the Gunners were to pull off this blockbuster deal, Vinicius Jr would become the club’s record signing, eclipsing the £105m paid to West Ham for Declan Rice in the summer of 2023.
The club are continuing to work on other targets, too, with Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez a player they are still keen on.