Arsenal transfers: Vinicius and Diomande to play together? Mourinho wants Real to block winger's exit
Mbappe, Bellingham, and Vinicius are the pillars that José Mourinho wants to hold his team together, and Arsenal may have to find another marquee signing this summer
Vinicius Junior's contract extension talks have stalled due to his wage demands, but Mourinho considers him crucial for squad stability and attacking options. This stance may thwart interest from clubs like Arsenal, PSG, Manchester City, and Saudi sides, despite earlier speculation that Real Madrid might sell players to balance finances.
Vinicius Junior's contract extension talks have stalled due to his wage demands, but Mourinho considers him crucial for squad stability and attacking options. This stance may thwart interest from clubs like Arsenal, PSG, Manchester City, and Saudi sides, despite earlier speculation that Real Madrid might sell players to balance finances.
Vinicius Junior's contract extension talks have stalled due to his wage demands, but Mourinho considers him crucial for squad stability and attacking options. This stance may thwart interest from clubs like Arsenal, PSG, Manchester City, and Saudi sides, despite earlier speculation that Real Madrid might sell players to balance finances.
It was widely believed that the arrival of Yan Diomande at the Santiago Bernabéu would work in favour of Arsenal's decision to pursue Vinicius Junior.
One, in the Ivorian, Real Madrid got a speedy winger who is technically brilliant to replace Vinicius. Second, sounding more logical, was the claim that the potential arrival of Rodri and Diomande would require the La Liga side to offload more players to balance its finances. Vini's exit would solve the monetary questions once and for all, as his sale could attract at least €160 million (£136.6 million).
READ HERE | Arsenal transfers: Vinicius Jr to be signed from Real Madrid for €160 million?
Vinicius Jr's current Real Madrid deal runs out in the summer of 2027. A contract extension couldn't be worked out as the Brazilian initially demanded wages at par with Kylian Mbappé — the highest-paid player in the squad. While he later softened his demands, there was no middle ground, which resulted in the extension talks being paused.
While reports claim that the Arsenal higher-ups have given the go-ahead to sign the winger, PSG, Manchester City, and Saudi sides are all reportedly interested in signing him. However, the bank-breaking move may not happen at all, as another report has now claimed that the newly appointed Real Madrid manager, José Mourinho, is unwilling to sell his player.
José Mourinho wants to make Vinicius a cornerstone of his squad and has asked the board to block his exit this summer, a report said. Mourinho wants to build a team around Vinicius, Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham, the report said. He asked for Diomande's signature so that he can have one more speedy attacking option at his disposal, and that doesn't make Vini expendable. As far as the gaffer is concerned, the 26-year-old Brazilian's presence is crucial for squad stability, Goal said in a report.
Earlier reports had also claimed that Real Madrid will not sell Franco Mastantuono and Endrick either, but may explore season-long loan options to ensure the youngsters get time on the pitch. Arsenal, meanwhile, are looking to get Julián Álvarez from Atlético Madrid even at the cost of sacrificing Viktor Gyökeres as part of a player exchange deal.