North London club’s dressing room considers Vinicius Junior deal ‘done’
Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, has reportedly engaged with the club’s first-team squad regarding the potential acquisition of Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid. This development comes as the Brazil international has yet to agree to a new contract with Real Madrid, with his current deal set to expire next summer. The interest from Arsenal in the winger has become publicly known over the past two weeks.
Reports from Spain indicate that discussions between Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior are being held up by issues surrounding a renewal bonus and image rights. Despite this, Vinicius Junior has joined his Real Madrid teammates for pre-season training under new manager Jose Mourinho, following his participation with Brazil in the World Cup.
During an interview with Real Madrid TV, Vinicius Junior spoke positively about his experience, stating, “It has gone very well, getting to know the new coach and the new players, and training very hard.” He added that Mourinho wants him to continue playing his football happily and cheerfully. The player also emphasised the importance of physical preparation to minimise injuries during the season.
Dressing Room Speculation and Club Conviction
According to Spanish reports, the Arsenal dressing room has been inquiring about a transfer that could significantly impact the Premier League. It is claimed that Berta has communicated to the English club a conviction that they are on the verge of securing what they believe will be the most expensive signing in Premier League history. This has led many players to conclude that the deal is “more than likely.”
Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given, speaking with BOYLE Sports, acknowledged the significance of Arsenal’s pursuit of Vinicius Junior. He highlighted that the fact such a deal is even being discussed demonstrates the elevated status of Arsenal under Mikel Arteta and the financial capacity they now possess. Given noted that the financial package required for Vinicius Junior would involve substantial figures across the transfer fee, wages, and various clauses.
Real Madrid has reportedly placed a €150 million price tag on the 26-year-old, a sum that would establish him as the most expensive acquisition in Premier League history. Given also touched upon the potential risks, stating, “I’m not saying Vinicius Jr doesn’t defend or wouldn’t fit into that group but it’s a risk.” However, he also suggested that taking such risks is necessary to bring something different to a team of Arsenal’s calibre, describing Vinicius Junior as a “brilliant player.”
The Arsenal dressing room now reportedly views the arrival of Vinicius Junior as a “done deal,” with the Real Madrid star in the “final stage” of his transfer saga. This comes as Arsenal continues to seek additional forward-thinking players before the transfer window closes.
Arteta’s Philosophy and Transfer Approach
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal has cultivated a team culture that prioritises discipline and a collective work ethic. This philosophy, which contributed to their Premier League title last season, has seen the departure of established players who did not align with Arteta’s tactical or cultural requirements, such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexis Sanchez, and Mesut Ozil. Given observed that the squad now exhibits a strong sense of togetherness, with everyone working towards a common goal.
Since taking charge in 2019, Arteta has demonstrated a rigorous approach to squad management, often sidelining players who do not meet his “non-negotiables.” This method has been effective in fostering a championship-winning mentality. Consequently, any new arrival must be thoroughly assessed for their character in addition to their technical abilities. While the prospect of Vinicius Junior joining Arsenal is appealing to fans, the club must consider the potential impact on the existing collective spirit.
Vinicius Junior held discussions with Real Madrid management at the club’s training ground on Wednesday afternoon, following a morning training session. A resolution between Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior is believed to be “imminent,” as the club seeks a definitive answer from the Brazilian and his representatives regarding their contract proposal. There are reportedly three options for Vinicius Junior: to remain at Real Madrid, to join Arsenal, or to leave as a free agent next summer if he does not renew his contract.
Former Real Madrid player and sporting director Predrag Mijatovic claimed that Vinicius Junior has rejected Real Madrid’s latest offer, indicating that he “is not planning to renew.” Mijatovic added that Vinicius Junior is exploring other offers, which is a natural progression for a player of his calibre. Arsenal is reportedly very interested and prepared to pay a substantial sum for his transfer. If Vinicius Junior does not wish to renew, Real Madrid would likely seek a significant transfer fee for his departure.
The situation between Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior is described as the “final stage of a saga that has dragged on for two years.” Arsenal is reportedly prepared to do whatever is necessary to convince him to join. The Arsenal dressing room’s belief that the deal is done, coupled with the financial resources and strong desire in London, suggests an outcome is imminent. The declarations of affection from both the player and Real Madrid are considered less significant given the dwindling time on his contract. Real Madrid is reportedly unwilling to meet Vinicius Junior’s financial demands, and it remains to be seen whether they will initiate negotiations with Arsenal for his transfer.
The message from Real Madrid regarding Vinicius Junior’s contract demands is that “No one is above the club.”
The links to the Brazil international have not gone unnoticed within the Arsenal dressing room, with players actively asking questions about the potential transfer. Andrea Berta has reportedly conveyed to the club their confidence in securing what they anticipate will be the most expensive signing in Premier League history.
Mikel Arteta has not commented publicly on Vinicius Junior since the interest emerged, instead laughing when questioned by a reporter after Arsenal’s pre-season friendly win against Girona.
Source: goal.com
