John Obi Mikel has mocked Arsenal supporters after the club missed out on signing Vinicius Junior, questioning what they were 'smoking' to believe a deal was possible.
Vinicius emerged as a surprise transfer target for Arsenal following their Premier League title triumph last season, with Mikel Arteta reportedly 'absolutely smitten' with the idea of signing the Brazilian. The Gunners were said to be ready to make the 26-year-old the highest-paid player in Premier League history.
However, Vinicius committed his future to Real Madrid, signing a six-year contract extension at the Bernabeu, forcing Arsenal to consider alternatives.
Obi Mikel's reaction
Prior to Vinicius's extension, Obi Mikel had told Arsenal fans to 'forget' about the 2024 Ballon d'Or runner-up, insisting the attacker was 'using' the Gunners to secure a better deal. In the latest episode of The Obi One Podcast, the former Chelsea midfielder reminded supporters of his earlier warning.
'Of course, mate. F***ing hell. I don't know what the Arsenal fans were expecting,' he said. 'You win the league after 22 years and then you all of a sudden think: that's it, you've arrived, you're one of the big boys again. No, you're not.'
He added: 'They've just been humbled because I said it: there's no way Vinicius Junior is leaving Real Madrid to go to Arsenal, a club that's won one title in 22 years.'
Vinicius's ambitions
Obi Mikel highlighted Vinicius's success at Real Madrid, noting that the Brazilian has won numerous titles, including the Champions League, which Arsenal have never won.
'He's tasted what it feels like winning the Champions League, Arsenal have never won the Champions League. Zero,' he said.
He also praised the squad being assembled by Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, suggesting they could reach the Champions League final.
Arsenal fans' reaction
Obi Mikel said he had 'no idea' why Arsenal fans believed Vinicius would leave Real Madrid, revealing that some had sent him messages threatening to 'destroy' him if the transfer happened.
'I was looking at it and thinking that's just my opinion. I never thought he was going to leave,' he said. 'He was using you guys to get a better deal.'
'I think it was only Arsenal fans who believed that was going to happen. I don't know what they were smoking.'
Arsenal's transfer struggles
According to Obi Mikel, Arsenal's style of play under Arteta may have contributed to their failure to land certain targets. He cited the example of Morgan Rogers, who joined Chelsea instead.
'They wanted Morgan Rogers, we got him. So many players that they wanted ended up going somewhere else,' he said. 'It just shows that not everybody is buying into what they're selling.'
He concluded: 'The bread and butter for Arsenal next season is defending the Premier League title.'
