Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho has requested that the club keep star forward Vinicius Junior at the Santiago Bernabeu, as per reports. The Brazilian has been linked with a move to Arsenal amidst uncertainty over his contract situation with Los Blancos.
Vinicius is entering the final year of his Real Madrid contract and is yet to agree an extension, fuelling uncertainty over his future. Negotiations between the Brazilian and the club have dragged on for more than a year, with the two sides still unable to reach an agreement over improved salary terms.
Vinicius is seeking a salary of around €30 million per year, according to reports, while Real Madrid are prepared to offer €20 million. If the two sides fail to reach an agreement, the Spanish
giants could be forced to sell the forward rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next summer.
Arsenal have emerged as serious contenders for Vinicius and are willing to spend to bag his signature, according to reports. But as per Diario AS, Mourinho has requested Real Madrid to do everything possible to keep the Brazilian at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Vinicius has been one of Real Madrid’s standout performers in recent seasons and remains central to the club’s plans. With Mourinho aiming to restore Los Blancos to the summit of Spanish and European football, the Brazilian is expected to play a pivotal role in his project.
Since joining Real Madrid from boyhood club Flamengo in 2018, Vinicius has made 375 appearances for Los Blancos, scoring 128 goals and providing 100 assists.
Vinicius has established himself as one of world football’s most dangerous wingers over the past two seasons. He enjoyed a solid FIFA World Cup campaign as well, registering four goals and an assist as Brazil reached the Round of 16.
