By our reporter 4.8.2026
Former Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi has claimed that Brazil star Vinicius Jr has not intention of joining Arsenal and was only using them as bargaining chip to get a bigger pay from Real Madrid.
Vini Jr returned to the Spanish capital on Monday for the preseason preparations has several been linked to a move to Arsenal with his contract set to expire next year. Real Madrid has made a contract extension offer to Vini Jr, but he is yet to sign.
Mikel who won the Premier League twice with Chelsea said in his “Obi One” podcast that the player will stay put at Real Madrid.
“He’s not coming! Forget about that,” Mikel stated.
“He’s just using Arsenal to get a better deal at Real Madrid. He’s not leaving Real Madrid. I’m sure about that, 100 per cent. He’s not leaving! He just wants to use Arsenal to get a better deal.”
“He’s not leaving Real Madrid. Why would he? Listen, Arsenal is a big team. If I sit here and say Arsenal is not a big team then I’m lying. Arsenal is a big team but Real Madrid is a different ballgame. I think this conversation about contracts has been going on for a long time.”
Vinicius Junior...back training with Real Madrid.