Vinicius Junior weighed Arsenal move before staying at Real Madrid
Representatives said the Brazil forward considered Arsenal's approach but preferred to remain in Madrid and pursue more titles.
Vinicius Junior gave serious consideration to joining Arsenal during the summer before deciding to remain at Real Madrid, according to his representatives. Arsenal made a formal approach for the 26-year-old and were reportedly prepared to pay him £18.5 million annually, which would have made him their highest-paid player.
Roc Nation Sports International executives Michael Yormack and Grant Veitch discussed the approach with Sports Boom, in comments carried by The Daily Mail. Veitch said Arsenal's efforts to make Vinicius feel wanted prompted him to consider the move, but his familiarity with Madrid and desire for further trophies persuaded him to stay.
The forward joined Real from Flamengo in 2018, aged 18. He has since registered 129 goals across 386 appearances for the Spanish club, collecting three La Liga championships and two Champions League titles.
Under Jose Mourinho this season, Vinicius has contributed one goal and three assists across eight La Liga appearances. A red card during Madrid's 1-0 victory over Villarreal on October 10 brought a four-match suspension, ruling him out of the Clasico. He has also made three Champions League appearances this term without a goal or an assist.
