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Vinicius Junior ‘seriously considered’ a move to Arsenal after they ‘rolled out the red carpet’ for the Real Madrid star during the summer, according to the player’s agent.
Arsenal pursued Vini Jr after the forward had seen progress over a new deal come to a halt at Real Madrid, having entered the last 12 months of his contract with the club.
However, Vinicius eventually signed a new long-term contract in Madrid, turning down Arsenal’s approach in the process, but Michael Yormack, the president of Roc Nation Sports International, who represent the 26-year-old, insisted the Gunners did all they could to seal a deal.
“You saw the news; Arsenal was very involved. They were very aggressive,” Yormack told SportsBoom.co.uk. “But Vini’s heart is in Madrid, that’s where he’s always wanted to be, and that’s where he is, and that’s where he hopes to be for the rest of his career. I don’t think there was ever a question.”
He added: “Did he ever seriously consider Arsenal? I mean of course. When a team like Arsenal rolls out the red carpet for you and makes you feel really wanted, then obviously you have to listen.”
“But he’s where he wants to be and we’re happy, he’s there. It’s not often that an athlete gets to start their professional journey at one team, and end it there as well.”
’If I was Vinicius, I would have left Real Madrid’, claims Mourinho amid Arsenal links
Arsenal had been in the market to sign a world-class attacking player as a marquee arrival and the Premier League champions were reportedly willing to make Vinicius the highest-paid player in their history to try and convince him to join.
The Gunners appeared willing to pay whatever it took to sign Vinicius but the Brazilian signed a new contract in August after make-or-break final talks with Madrid.
However, Vinicius has struggled to find form since his new deal, having scored just once in eight La Liga matches this season which has led to criticism and jeers from even some Real Madrid fans.
The player’s frustration boiled over into Real Madrid’s match against Villarreal earlier this month, which led to Vini being sent off and being given a four-match ban for pulling Nathan Saliba’s hair and prompting a strong response from boss Jose Mourinho.
“If I were in his shoes, I probably wouldn’t be here,” Mourinho said. “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.”
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