Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has sent a clear message to Vinicius Jr, with the Brazil international opening up on talks with his new manager amid Arsenal's interest
Jose Mourinho has made his stance clear on Arsenal transfer target Vinicius Jr
Jose Mourinho has made his stance clear on Arsenal transfer target Vinicius Jr(Image: (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images))
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Vinicius Jr has admitted Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho wants him to be happy playing football. The Brazil international has returned to the Spanish giants after his break following the World Cup, but there remains huge uncertainty surrounding his future with Arsenal interested in signing him.
With 12 months left on his contract and no sign of an extension, exit links have ramped up. However, that could change soon as Vini Jr is now back in the building and more talks have been scheduled for Wednesday which means the Gunners will soon learn a definitive outcome on his future.
In the meantime, he has been training with his Real team-mates and under Mourinho. Speaking in a video uploaded to Real's social media accounts, he revealed exactly what the new Los Blancos boss wants from him.
The 26-year-old said: "He wants me to be just as I've always been - happy, positive and playing my own style of football."
A significant chunk of Real Madrid posts in recent days have been about his return with a 'train with Vini Jr' montage uploaded on Monday.
In today's video, Vinicius goes on to speak about the sessions he has partaken in thus far and the upcoming season, which certainly suggests he does not want to leave.
Real chiefs are seemingly the ones in favour of a departure with the contract offer that has been on the table for some time below Vinicius' wage demands. Since his return, there have been reports that an improved proposal has been made which would see him take in around €22m (£18.9m) annually, but that is still not enough.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is said to have got involved in Vinicius Jr transfer talks
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Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta and head coach Mikel Arteta, who is reportedly now firmly involved in the deal, appear ready to match his financial wishes.
Vinicius Jr is the club's priority attacking target with Arteta keen to strengthen his squad that could be a little lighter for the first weeks of the 2026/27 season due to the World Cup.
Several midfielders could miss the opening few games but the Premier League champions look set to make an addition that will improve Arteta's options. Following his delayed return to Newcastle United pre-season, Arsenal are on the verge of agreeing a deal for Bruno Guimaraes.
Developments in that transfer saga come after Everton made a move for Christian Norgaard with that deal also expected to be wrapped up this week.