They pressured Arsenal: Vinicius Junior stays at Real Madrid

Vinicius Junior only recently extended his contract with Real Madrid, even though he could have left the Spanish record champions last summer to join Arsenal. The Brazilian superstar was at the centre of an aggressive pursuit by the London side, as Michael Yormack, president of Roc Nation Sports International, confirmed.

Arsenal's aggressive pursuit

Arsenal was heavily involved. They were very aggressive, Yormack said. A move to London had been an option for Vinicius Junior.

In August Vinicius signed a lucrative new deal that ties him to the Royals until 2032. Yormack emphasized that Vinicius's heart beats for Madrid, that he wants to stay there and spend his entire career. He saw no doubt that a life at the best club in the world is something special.

The relationship with Real has not always been smooth. Despite sporting successes, Vinicius repeatedly had to endure criticism from his own supporters and was booed at the Santiago Bernabéu. After his substitution in the Clasico against Barcelona he lost his composure and shouted on camera: “Always me. I’m leaving the team. I’m going, it’s better if I go.”

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Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta is said to have made personal contact with Vinicius to persuade him to move. This initiative fuelled the rumours of a departure.

Current season and suspension

At the start of the 2026/27 season, after ten league matches only one goal and three assists are on record. Following an incident against Villarreal in which Vinicius grabbed an opponent by the hair and lost his temper, he was suspended for four league games. He remains eligible to play in the Champions League.

In the clash with RB Leipzig on Wednesday nothing stands in the way of a Champions League appearance. The suspension applies only to the Spanish league.