The dream of seeing Vinicius Junior in an Arsenal shirt is over. The Brazilian star striker has signed a new six-year contract with Real Madrid – and put a definitive end to all speculation about the future.
For weeks, Arsenal have been keeping a close eye on the situation of the 25-year-old, who was entering the final year of his contract at the Bernabeu. The club hoped that a possible disagreement over an extension could open the door for a sensational summer purchase. But now the door has melted again – for good.
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The Mourinho factor decided
Real Madrid have their offer for Vinicius during meetings with the club management at the training facility already yesterday. And one man played a crucial role: Jose Mourinho.
The new head coach has a strong relationship with the Brazilian, and has always been clear that Vinicius will be one of the pillars of his team. The personal bond between player and manager is said to have been crucial to the conversation about the future taking such a positive turn.
In an official statement, Real Madrid writes:
“Vinicius Jr has become one of the most important players in one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
Arsenal must look for new options
For Arsenal, this means that the search for an elite left winger must take a new direction. The club has long wanted to strengthen that position with a world-class player, and Vinicius was at the top of their wish list.
Now, Mikel Arteta and the sporting directors must instead turn their attention to other goals – while at the same time completing other parts of the summer schedule. The Premier League champions are in the process of securing Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle in a deal worth £75 million, and the transfer is expected to be confirmed within the week.
Arteta himself expresses optimism, despite the fact that plan A unraveled.
“We’re going to attack all possible titles, because that’s the ambition we have. We want to go from strength to strength – whether it’s with the players we already have, or with a transfer window that is still open for recruitment,” Arteta said after the 3-1 loss to Real Betis.
“We are optimistic about what we are doing. All the work this summer is about understanding what it takes to win again – and ultimately create a dynasty in this club.
When asked about the Guimaraes agreement, he replied with a smile:
“I can’t talk about any news. Sometimes you get things faster than I do. I’ve been focused on the game, so I don’t know what’s happened. I can’t talk about players who aren’t at Arsenal.
One thing is for sure: Arsenal have to move on – without Vinicius. But with the Champions League title behind him and a manager who is passionate about greatness, the story is far from over.
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