Mourinho says Arsenal target Vinicius should have forced Real Madrid exit

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Jose Mourinho believes Vinicius Junior should have left Real Madrid this past summer, admitting he would have forced through a move himself had he been in the Brazilian's position. The comments arrive months after Arsenal were strongly linked with the winger before he chose to sign a new contract at the Bernabeu.

Vinicius began the season impressively, contributing to four goals in his first six matches as Real won five of those games. His form has dipped sharply since the international break, during which he found the net once in three appearances for Brazil.

Domestically, things have unravelled further. He was sent off against Villarreal for pulling an opponent's hair, and was then hauled off before the hour mark against AS Roma in the Champions League, a substitution that preceded Real's comeback inspired by the players who replaced him. He is also set to serve a four match La Liga suspension.

Mourinho's admission

Despite the turbulence, Mourinho spoke warmly of Vinicius while conceding the player might have been better served elsewhere. Speaking about the situation, the Real boss said: 'If I were in his shoes, I probably wouldn't be here. I would have forced a move to a country where he'd be respected, but out of loyalty to Real Madrid and love for the club, he stayed.'

He added: 'He believes things can improve, and he still has that smile. Nothing and no one can take it away from him. He's a fantastic guy, and it's easy to get along with him. I spend a few minutes alone with him every day. I value him immensely because he always manages to live and survive with a smile.'

Arsenal's interest

North London was reported as the only realistic alternative destination for Vinicius, with Mikel Arteta keen to add a player capable of raising the ceiling of Arsenal's attack. Arteta made his ambitions for squad improvement clear in a press conference following the Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, which came shortly after Arsenal were confirmed as Premier League champions following three successive second place finishes.

Arsenal ultimately spent roughly £150million this summer on Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa and Christos Tzolis, while Piero Hincapie's loan was converted into a permanent deal and Illan Meslier arrived on a free transfer. The club also failed in a separate pursuit of Julian Alvarez, who stayed at Atletico Madrid.

Despite missing out on both attacking targets, Arsenal have made a strong start to the season, with a 3-0 defeat to Brighton the only blemish on their record so far. Injuries have affected Arteta's squad in the early months, though Martin Zubimendi and Hincapie are nearing returns, and William Saliba is also said to be progressing well.

As reported by football.london, Vinicius's immediate focus will be on recovering form and fitness at Real Madrid rather than any fresh transfer talk, though his recent dip will do little to quiet speculation linking him with a future move away from the Bernabeu.