Vinícius Júnior’s Agents Admit He 'Seriously Considered' Arsenal

Vinícius Júnior did seriously consider joining Arsenal this summer, according to Roc Nation, the agency that represents the Brazilian.

Senior figures at Roc Nation Sports International have opened up on the saga in an interview with SportsBoom, confirming the Premier League champions made a determined attempt to prise the winger away from Real Madrid.

Roc Nation president Michael Yormack described Arsenal’s pursuit as ‘very aggressive’, admitting the 26-year-old was always going to listen once Mikel Arteta’s side made their interest clear.

‘Did he ever seriously consider Arsenal? I mean of course,’ Yormack said. ‘When a team like Arsenal rolls out the red carpet for you and makes you feel really wanted, then obviously you have to listen.’

However, Yormack insisted the Brazilian’s heart was always in the Spanish capital, adding that Vinícius hopes to spend his entire career at the Bernabéu.

The links with Arsenal intensified in late July, with the Gunners searching for a left-sided forward and reportedly considering Julián Álvarez, Bradley Barcola and Yan Diomande alongside Vinícius. At the time, the winger had just 12 months remaining on his contract and renewal talks had stalled, with various reports from Spain claiming that Madrid were prepared to sell if he rejected their final offer.

Speculation peaked in early August amid claims that personal terms had been agreed in principle. Within days, though, the saga was over. Madrid announced just days later that Vinícius had signed an extension until June 2032, keeping him at the club until the age of 31.

Grant Veitch, Roc Nation’s Director of African Football Recruitment, believes the winger’s early arrival in Madrid was central to his decision. Vinícius joined from Flamengo as an 18-year-old in 2018 and has since scored 128 goals in 375 appearances, winning 14 trophies including two Champions League titles.

‘There were other opportunities that arose,’ Veitch said. ‘But I think the level of comfort he has, and him already being a star at Real Madrid, it kept him there, and he wanted to stay.’

The new deal has not started smoothly. Vinícius has managed just one goal and three assists in ten games this season, and a red card against Villarreal for pulling Nathan Saliba’s hair means he will serve a four-match ban, ruling him out of El Clásico.

Head coach José Mourinho also raised eyebrows by suggesting he would have forced an exit in Vinícius’ position last summer, before clarifying that the winger stayed because Madrid is his home.

Vinícius will arrive at The Emirates in December, but donning the white of Real Madrid, as Arsenal host the Spanish outfit in the Champions League.