Arsenal wanted to sign Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior this summer to further improve their attack.
The Brazil international entered the final year of contract at Real Madrid. The Premier League winners tried to capitalise on it to convince him to join them.
On August 4th, Sport Witness covered claims from Spain that Arsenal were ready to make him the highest paid Premier League player.
Mikel Arteta’s side were serious about bringing the 26-year-old to the Emirates.
Arsenal left empty handed
The La Liga winners were prepared to sell if he decided against signing an extension, but that didn’t happen.
On August 6th, the Brazil international signed a new contract until 2032.
Los Blancos manager José Mourinho has given a detailed interview to El Chiringuito and Mundo Deportivo have relayed his comments.
According to the newspaper, the former Chelsea boss played a role in convincing Vinícius Júnior to extend his stay at the club, amid the Arsenal links.
Mourinho on Real Madrid’s importance
The Real Madrid manager confirms holding talks with the South American before he signed an extension.
“Obviously, I spoke with him, but Vinícius has fallen in love with Real Madrid,” he said.
“The only thing I told him was: ‘Vini, where do you want to go? You’ve only been in Brazil, and you only know Real Madrid. When you leave, you’ll know what Real Madrid is. Don’t leave, it’s not worth it’.”
The manager is of the belief Vinícius Júnior felt he’s part of the Spanish giants core plans in the near and medium future.
“I think what he’s felt, in terms of the group’s growth, the way we’ve been working and developing, has given him a very important feeling. This is another team that’s a pleasure to watch work; we have a lot of quality,” José Mourinho explained.
Mourinho’s talks with the attacker would have been crucial in his decision to stay and not consider a move to Arsenal or another club this summer.
