Arsenal have been dealt a potentially damaging blow in their ambitious pursuit of Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, according to the Telegraph.
Credible journalist David Ornstein revealed on Saturday afternoon that the Gunners are exploring the possibility of bringing the Brazilian winger to the Emirates. Vinicius has a year left on his contract at the Bernabeu, and while talks are set to take place over a new deal, it's believed there's a genuine possibility that no agreement is reached, opening the superstar wide man up for a departure.
Arsenal have emerged as early frontrunners in the race to land Vinicius, described as 'the best player in the world', with the North Londoners ready to pounce should he become available.
The financial complications around the deal could present a major stumbling block in it materialising, although this isn't the only potential issue for the Gunners.
Jose Mourinho Doesn't Want Real Madrid to Sell Vinicius Junior
Benfica coach Jose Mourinho looks on before a match
Jose Mourinho was appointed as Real Madrid's new manager earlier this summer, replacing Alvaro Arbeloa in the Bernabeu dugout. Florentino Perez has backed the Portuguese head coach thus far, signing the likes of Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Bernardo Silva and Denzel Dumfries.
However, the divisive club president could still be prepared to take tools away from Mourinho. The reports suggest that Los Blancos will sanction Vinicius' exit if they cannot agree new terms with him, as they aren't prepared to lose him for nothing next summer.
That said, the Telegraph indicate that Mourinho would oppose Arsenal's move for the 26-year-old. The former Chelsea boss has told Real Madrid higher-ups that he wants all the big names in his squad to remain in the Spanish capital this summer.
The 63-year-old tactician is trying to rebuild a fractured club, and believes he needs all his best players to increase his chances of being successful in this regard.
Given how Perez has supported Mourinho since the manager's return to Madrid, it wouldn't be a surprise if the president bows to the coach's demands, meaning this could put a halt to Arsenal's pursuit of Vinicius.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Real Madrid Could Still Sell Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Jr in action for Brazil at the 2026 World CupKim Price/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA via Reuters
While Mourinho's voice will hold some power in the boardroom at the Bernabeu, Perez has the ultimate say.
If the player isn't happy with what Real Madrid can offer him, then he won't accept the proposal and the La Liga giants will be forced to sell. Perez won't make an economically poor decision just to appease his new manager.
Real Madrid are reportedly chasing Yan Diomande, which suggests they're already preparing for Vinicius' potential exit. Perez is more likely to satisfy Mourinho's demands by signing the highly-touted 19-year-old, rather than hoarding an asset that wants out.
Vinicius Jr Related
Odegaard, Martinelli, Saka - Winners and Losers of Arsenal Signing Vinicius Junior
Arsenal are pursuing a move for Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, a deal which would have a knock-on effect on several players in Mikel Arteta' squad.
Combine this with Mourinho and Vinicius' complicated history, and all the signs point towards the player moving on, regardless of the ex-Tottenham coach's qualms with the deal.