Vinicius Junior has spoken for the first time since being linked with a blockbuster summer move from Real Madrid to Arsenal. The Brazilian winger revealed he has already spoken with new boss Jose Mourinho about his role in the side next season.
Arsenal's interest
Arsenal are exploring the possibility of signing Vinicius Jr before the end of the summer transfer window as they look to strengthen their left wing with a marquee addition. The Gunners are yet to submit an offer to Madrid, but appear the clear frontrunners to complete a deal should he fail to agree a contract extension with Real.
Vinicius' current deal expires next year, with the Spanish giants said to be willing to cash in this summer if a new contract is not signed. Madrid have reportedly told the winger that their latest offer of a new deal is final and that there will be no further negotiations or increase in their proposal.
Wage structure
Arsenal, meanwhile, are reportedly willing to blow apart their wage structure and make Vinicius the highest-paid player in Premier League history to try and lure the 26-year-old to the Emirates.
Pre-season return
With speculation still lingering over his future, Vinicius has now returned to pre-season training after the World Cup in North America. In a video on Madrid's website, he said: 'Very well, getting to know the new manager, the new players and working really hard in training. He wants me to be just as I've always been – happy, positive and playing my own style of football.'
On how the opening days of pre-season training had gone, Vinicius added: 'I think the goal is to get us match fit so we have fewer injuries during the season and can rely on everyone throughout the campaign. Two days in already. Yesterday was a double session, today just the one. That's how it's going. Today we did some gym work, in the end they were short exercises to build up leg strength and I think it was a really good session. We all finished completely dead on our feet, but now it's time to rest up for tomorrow. That's pre-season for you – we've got to be ready.'
