Jamie Carragher has cast doubt on Arsenal's pursuit of Vinicius Junior, suggesting the Brazilian forward is using the Gunners to secure a lucrative new contract at Real Madrid.
Vinicius has entered the final 12 months of his current deal at the Bernabeu, with renewal talks having collapsed after last year's Club World Cup. Arsenal are reportedly keen, with Mikel Arteta said to be 'absolutely smitten' with the idea of bringing the 26-year-old to north London. The newly crowned English champions are willing to make Vinicius the highest-paid player in Premier League history.
Madrid reports and Mourinho talks
However, reports from Madrid indicate that Vinicius has 'prioritised' resolving his future in the Spanish capital. Jose Mourinho has made it clear he would oppose losing the Brazilian. In a further blow to Arsenal's hopes, Vinicius spoke positively about his early conversations with Mourinho.
'It has gone very well, getting to know the new coach and the new players, and training very hard,' Vinicius told Real Madrid TV. 'Mourinho wants me to be as I have always been: happy, cheerful and playing my football.'
Carragher's doubts
Speaking on the Football Ramble podcast, Carragher acknowledged that signing Vinicius would give Arsenal a 'superstar' but questioned whether Arteta would sacrifice his tactical approach. He said: 'I think the Vinicius Junior thing is really interesting in that I do think you need something like that to win the Champions League.'
Carragher also noted the lack of top attackers in the Premier League, citing the World Cup semi-finalists as evidence. 'I'd love to see it. I think we lack top players in the Premier League right now,' he said. 'He's surely doing it to get a new contract at Real Madrid.'
Title prediction
Carragher also predicted Manchester City to reclaim the Premier League title, assuming Rodri stays. 'I think City,' he said. 'The reason I think City is that I think they were still close last year. I know Pep's gone, I get that.'
