Vinicius Junior's agent has indicated that the Premier League would be the only league the Brazilian would realistically leave Real Madrid for, as Arsenal reportedly emerge as stunning favourites to land the 26-year-old superstar this summer.
Agent's 2023 Comments Resurface
Speaking to The Telegraph in 2023, Vinicius' long-time agent Frederico Pena said: "Vini is very close with Real Madrid and he's so happy there. He's very at ease, he loves the club. He's been there so long, he's kind of turned into a man there."
While Pena said he did not expect Vinicius to change clubs in the near future and insisted he could stay as a Madrid player for the rest of his career, he left the door open to a Premier League switch.
"I can't really see that [a Premier League move] happening right now," Pena added. "But who knows, these things change in football and there's things you would never imagine seeing that happen. I would just say if he were to leave Real Madrid some day, it would make no sense for it to be somewhere other than the Premier League."
He also said: "But will he one day leave Real Madrid or will he be a one-club kind of player? I would tell you right now there's a big chance that he's the kind of player who stays in one club and makes history there and stays there for 15-plus years."
Arsenal's Interest
Arsenal have been named as favourites to sign Vinicius if he leaves the Bernabeu. Reports emerged last weekend that Vinicius is a target internally at Arsenal, with football.london stating the Gunners are willing to break the bank for the forward if he becomes available. The huge financial cost of the transfer is understood not to be an issue.
So far, Arsenal's interest is in its early stages with no contact made yet with Real Madrid. Vinicius' contract expires next year, and he is no closer to signing a new deal, though talks surrounding his future are being held this week. He is eligible to open pre-contract talks with clubs outside Spain from January over a free transfer in the summer of 2027.
A move to north London would come as a huge shock given the calibre of the player and his importance to Real Madrid's recent success, having played a key role in two Champions League triumphs. Vinicius has scored 128 goals and notched 100 assists in 376 appearances for Los Blancos so far.
Arsenal's Status
Arsenal's current status as Premier League champions makes them hot favourites in England to land the Brazil international. The Gunners have already made three signings this summer: Piero Hincapie, Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis.
