For most of the summer the voices on the Vinicius Jr saga have belonged to agents, journalists and club sources. On Tuesday the player himself finally spoke.
The Brazilian told Real Madrid’s channels after returning to pre-season training that he was settling in under the new head coach.
“Mourinho wants me to be as I have always been: happy, cheerful and playing my football.”
“I’m getting to know the new manager and the new players,” Vinicius said.
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“The goal is to be match fit so we avoid injuries during the season and we can rely on everyone.”
The €22m vs €30m standoff
Real Madrid’s offer stands at around €22m a season, while Vinicius is asking for around €30m. Talks stalled last season and have not moved since.
The player and his representatives are expected to sit down with Madrid within 48 hours. Sources have told Spanish and English outlets that the club will not raise its offer, leaving president Florentino Perez with the final call.
Mourinho, named on a three-year deal on 11 June as the successor to Alvaro Arbeloa, wants Vinicius to stay.
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What Arsenal are waiting for
If the meeting fails to produce a breakthrough, senior figures at the Bernabeu are prepared to sell this month rather than lose the forward for nothing next summer.
Real Madrid values the forward at around €170m, and reigning Premier League champions Arsenal are the only club so far positioned to move.
Mikel Arteta’s side ended a 22-year wait for the title in May. Reports place the Gunners at the front of the queue, and beIN Sports cited David Ornstein of The Athletic in describing Arsenal as ready to make a substantial financial commitment if Madrid slips.
‘I just can’t see it happening’
Not everyone in England is convinced the deal can be pulled off. Sky Sports pundit Jay Bothroyd, asked whether Arsenal could realistically sign the Brazilian, pushed back hard.
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“There’s no doubt he’s a superstar. It would be a statement signing, and I think he would be successful eventually.”
“I just can’t see it happening because of the financial package.”
Bothroyd’s second reservation was tactical.
“Especially in those wide positions, he would have to do more defensive support tracking back, and that’s what Arteta demands.”
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Vinicius says at Valdebebas that he is happy under Mourinho. His representatives are due to sit down with Madrid before the weekend, with the club already indicating through Spanish and English outlets that the €22m offer will not move.
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