I talked Vini Jr out of Gunners move, Mourinho reveals conversation

By our reporter 20.8.2026
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho said he talked striker Vinicius Junior from joining Arsenal this summer.
The Brazilian star player was heavily linked to a move to Arsenal after he stalled on a new contract with Real Madrid. The North Londoners were reportedly prepared to table an offer of around €150m for the player.
But on his return from the his extended World Cup holiday Vini agreed to a new deal till 2032 and Jose Mourinho stated that he spoke to the player and warned him not to join the Gunners.
“I called him, I told him Vini, where do you want to go? You only know Real Madrid,” Mourinho toldEl Chiringuito TV.
“When you leave, then you’ll know what Real Madrid is. Don’t go. It’s not worth it. I was sure [he would stay] because he is in love with Real Madrid!”