Alan Pardew has sensationally labelled Arsenal’s proposed move for Vinicius Junior a ‘done deal’.
Vinicius, 26, has entered into the final 12 months of his contract at Real Madrid, with talks over a possible renewal falling through in the wake of last year’s Club World Cup.
Widespread reports at the weekend indicated Arsenal had been alerted to the situation and exploratory talks had taken place over a potential big-money bid – an idea which has been ‘approved on all levels’ within the club’s hierarchy.
New Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has made it clear that he would be vehemently opposed to Vinicius’ departure, while the player himself is said to have ‘prioritised’ reaching a resolution over his Bernabeu future.
However, the Gunners have not been put off by these apparent setbacks and are reportedly plotting a club-record bid for Vinicius, intent on prising the Brazilian away from the Spanish capital.
It’s claimed the newly crowned Premier League champions would be prepared to offer Vinicius wages in excess of the £350,000-a-week package they agreed with Bukayo Saka midway through last season.
Also Read: Madrid Place Record £137m Price Tag On Arsenal Target Vinicius
“What a signing that would be. I think this is a deal that will happen,”ex-Newcastle, Crystal Palace and West Ham manager Pardew said on eSPORTY (via Metro) in response to the rumours.
“The reason I think that is he’s got history with Jose Mourinho, he’s at Real Madrid, he’s got a year left on his contract. They’ve been trying to get him to sign a new deal for a long time now.
“When you think about the other side of the coin, the new champions of the Premier League… you’re in London, you’re not in Newcastle, you’re not in Manchester, you’re in London.
“You’re playing for the champions Arsenal, they’ll put you in a house in Regent’s Park, you can fly in and fly out your family at will because you’ll have enough finance to do it. I think it’s a tempting proposition.”
