Vini Jr to Arsenal: €125m deal could help Mikel Arteta complete bombshell signing

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Vinicius Junior opted to reject interest from Arsenal in favour of signing a new contract at Real Madrid this summer, but he may already be regretting his decision.

The Brazil international has only scored one goal in 10 games so far this season and Los Blancos boss Jose Mourinho has admitted that Vinicius should have left the club before the end of Transfer Deadline Day.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Real Madrid’s win over Sevilla on Sunday, Mourinho said: “If I were in his shoes, I probably wouldn't be here. I would have forced a move to a country where I'd be respected, but out of loyalty to Real Madrid and love for the club, he stayed.

“He believes things can improve, and he still has that smile. Nothing and no one can take it away from him.”

Mourinho added: “When he renewed his contract, he said that Madrid is his home and that he's excited to continue making history and winning titles.

“He gets along well with everyone in the locker room; he's a source of joy. I had serious doubts about whether he had the strength to stay here, given all the offers he had.”

While Mourinho has publicly backed Vinicius, it remains to be seen if their off-pitch relationship remains strong after the Brazilian was hooked after 59 minutes of their Champions League clash versus AS Roma last week, and the form of Yan Diomande could force Real Madrid into a huge transfer decision.

Real Madrid could accept Vinicius Jr sale

Despite retaining Vinicius’ services this summer, Real Madrid still decided to spend a whopping €125 million on RB Leipzig starlet Diomande following a sublime debut campaign in Germany.

The 19-year-old is capable of playing on either flank, but he was purchased to become Los Blancos’ new starting right winger, with the club expecting him to form a formidable attacking unit with Vinicius, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe.

During the early weeks of the campaign, Diomande struggled to adapt to Mourinho’s system, but he enjoyed the best performance of his Real Madrid career to date on Sunday night.

The Ivory Coast international was selected as a left winger against Sevilla, due to Vinicius’ absence through suspension, and he scored once and provided one assist as Real Madrid secured a crucial 4-1 win.

While Diomande is still more than capable of playing on the right, it’s fascinating that his best display in a Real Madrid shirt came in Vinicius’ usual position on the left flank.

Los Blancos are unlikely to immediately cast the Brazilian aside after one encouraging performance from Diomande, but coupled with Mourinho’s comments and his form this season, it’s not unrealistic to suggest that Vinicius Jr may potentially be sold next year. And Arsenal could pounce.

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