Jose Mourinho has been advised that Real Madrid could be better off without Vinicius Junior as Arsenal weigh up a bid for the forward. The Brazil international is one of several attacking targets on Arsenal's shortlist, though no formal approach has been made, according to Standard Sport. Vinicius is entering the final year of his contract and has made little progress in renewal talks, leading Real to consider selling this summer rather than losing him for free next year.
Petit: Madrid need team unity over individuals
Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes Real have become too reliant on Vinicius and Kylian Mbappé. He said: "Something has to be rebuilt in Madrid. It started with the manager in the dressing room, but also with the players on the pitch. You cannot rely all the time on the brilliance of Mbappé or Vinícius, they have to stop that." Petit pointed to Spain and Paris Saint-Germain as examples of teams succeeding through collective strength rather than individual talent.
Mourinho's rebuilding plans
Petit added that Mourinho wants "strong and reliable players" and is pushing president Florentino Pérez to spend wisely. The new head coach has already signed Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries to bolster the defence, and Real are in talks with RB Leipzig over a nine-figure deal for Yan Diomande, who could replace Vinicius. Even if Arsenal pursue the winger, his reported £400,000-a-week wages could complicate any move. Vinicius's Brazil side were eliminated in the World Cup round of 16.
