“Something’s wrong” – Player’s focus in a mess and transfer to Arsenal noise part of it

Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior had a difficult start to the season and Arsenal‘s interest in signing him in the summer is one of the reasons for it. 

The Premier League winners had made a strong push to sign the forward in the summer window.

Arsenal wanted to take advantage of Real Madrid’s failure to secure him to a long-term contract. At that time, the La Liga winners were reportedly open to a sale, to avoid losing the 26-year-old for free next summer.

The Gunners’ efforts were unsuccessful as he ended up signing a new long-term contract [until 2032] on August 6th.

Arsenal and Mourinho part of problem

Real Madrid’s decision to hand the Brazil international an extension hasn’t worked out well so far.

He managed a goal and assist in Real Madrid’s 4-1 win over Real Sociedad on August 26th. Vinícius Júnior netted the third goal and assisted the fourth goal. Since then, the attacker has two assists from six matches. He had 22 goals and 14 assists last season.

La Tribu host Raúl Varela analyses the South American’s poor form for Radio Marca and blames it on the summer events. This includes the World Cup, José Mourinho’s arrival, Real Madrid contract situation and Arsenal’s interest.

“Something’s happening with Vinicius. He changed. His World Cup, his new personal direction, Arsenal, the contract renewal, Mourinho,” he said.

“The fact is, this isn’t our Vini, that outstanding player who dances, laughs, provokes, challenges, confronts, dribbles, scores, and decides the game.”

“He has become an inconsequential, sad, transparent, dispensable player. That has a lot to do with the fact that perhaps he stayed, even though he’s really left, because they say that when you say you’re leaving, you’ve already left. I don’t know if I’m making myself clear.”

Arsenal came close to summer signing 

Last month, Mourinho hinted convincing him to snub Arsenal and sign an extension. The journalist now explains Mikel Arteta’s side came close to bringing him to the Emirates. The north London club’s concrete efforts forced Real Madrid to take action.

“The long negotiation for the contract extension reached its peak when Richard Garlick, Arsenal’s CEO, decided to take charge of the challenge of opening the doors of the Emirates to Brazil’s number 7. And he almost succeeded,” Raúl Varela explained.

“He was seductive, generous, persuasive, and also offered arguments of all kinds. In terms of money and hierarchy to lead a team that has come within fifteen minutes of being hegemonic in Europe.”

“Garlick called José Ángel Sánchez and told him what was happening. The alarm bells rang at Valdebebas. Florentino had to roll up his sleeves and call the bank.”

Frustration increasing after derby performance 

There’s been a few reports popping in Spain pointing out Vinícius Júnior’s difficult start under José Mourinho.

Last weekend, Los Blancos suffered a 2-1 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the derby. He was on the pitch for 54 minutes, failing to register a shot on target and gave away possession seven times.

He covered 5km distance, made five sprints and had 22 touches before summer signing Yan Diomande replaced him.

Arsenal wanted to make him the highest paid Premier League player. Taking his recent form for the Madrid club into account, the Gunners seem to have dodged a bullet.

🇳🇱 Jurriën Timber | Arsenal player out of Netherlands training and sat pitch-sidehttps://t.co/qhBNB7hoOW #afc

— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) September 22, 2026