Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images
Vinicius Jr. is set to return to Real Madrid training next week, and as his return to the Spanish capital nears, the rumours around his uncertain future grow.
As matters stand, he has two clear options – compromise and agree to the club’s financial terms to stay with a renewal, or chase the finances he dreams of and push for an exit to Arsenal, who are the only major European giants who can afford the move.
The player is reportedly keen on staying and is even open to compromise of some degree. However, the two parties are still far from reaching any form of agreement and Arsenal are looking to capitalise on the same.
As reported by MarioCortegana in a recent update, the Gunners’ manager Mikel Arteta ‘loves’ Vinicius and would be delighted to have him in his plans for next season. The club, as a whole, are crazy about signing the player.
Arteta ‘loves’ Vinicius. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
The management have approved the signing and the budget required to bring the Brazilian star to England and are prepared to go all in for his acquisition.
Arsenal have reportedly been working for months to try and convince the player that a change in scenery is the best move for his career, especially after Kylian Mbappe’s arrival at Real Madrid.
They have even conversed with the player’s representatives and explained the project to them with Vinicius having a leading role under Arteta.
Now that the player is back in Madrid, developments are expected to unfold much faster than they have so far, and he will first meet with Jose Mourinho.
Vinicius Jr. and Jose Mourinho
Can Mourinho convince Vinicius? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
After talks between the player and the coach, Los Blancos will try to convince the forward to sign a new contract at the club, and all the aforementioned developments are expected to progress in a matter of days.
Real Madrid, for their part, will not improve their offer. Their hope for a renewal rests on the idea that the player will compromise, and there is some growing optimism that an agreement can be reached.
The coming days will be key, and Vinicius must make a decision soon given that the club will not hand him much prominence if he chooses to stay without renewing.
Sami Khedira, former Real Madrid midfielder
Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
When Jose Mourinho returned for his second stint as manager of Real Madrid, he was on the lookout for trusted personnel to join his backroom staff.
The club eventually settled on former Los Blancos player Sami Khedira, who had played under the Portuguese tactician during his time at the club.
He has been working with the club since the start of pre-season and has taken on an important dressing-room role.
Sami Khedira, former Real Madrid midfielder
Khedira is a key part of the coaching staff at Real Madrid. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)
Khedira has now expressed his delight at returning to Real Madrid, describing the move as the beginning of a new chapter and an honour to work alongside Jose Mourinho again.
Writing on X, he made it clear how much the opportunity means to him.
“A new old chapter. Back at Real Madrid. A special feeling to return, and an honour to be working alongside Jose Mourinho again. Excited for this new challenge and everything ahead,” Khedira wrote.
The message reflects both Khedira’s emotional connection to the club and his respect for Mourinho.
Khedira is expected to act as a liaison between Mourinho and the players, helping maintain communication and stability inside the dressing room.
That role is particularly important in a squad like Madrid, which contains established stars, new signings and several young players.
His experience gives him credibility on both sides. He understands exactly what Jose expects but also knows how it feels when the shoe is on the other foot.
Khedira was one of those players in the squad under Jose before, and his experience could help the dressing room have a shoulder to lean on.
A new (old) chapter 🤍
Back at @realmadrid. A special feeling to return, and an honour to be working alongside José Mourinho again. Excited for this new challenge and everything ahead. ⚽ pic.twitter.com/elRKDkYXJb
— Sami Khedira (@SamiKhedira) August 2, 2026
Khedira’s appointment should not be viewed as a nostalgic gesture.
The club appear to see him as a practical figure capable of preventing small tensions from becoming larger issues and helping the coaching staff’s message reach the squad clearly.
Last season, one of the biggest issues for both Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa was their inability to maintain dressing-room harmony.
Jose understands how important it is to have a harmonious dressing room, and Khedira is his trusted man to ensure that.
Khedira’s own words underline his enthusiasm, and it remains to be seen how his role helps Madrid adapt to this new chapter under Jose.