Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr has opened up on conversations with new manager Jose Mourinho as uncertainty over his future continues to grow this summer.
The Brazilian superstar returned to the Spanish capital following his break after the World Cup, but significant doubt remains over whether he will stay at the Bernabeu.
Vinicius Jr has just 12 months remaining on his current contract, and negotiations over an extension have so far failed to produce an agreement between player and club.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for the 26-year-old, and the Gunners are expected to learn a definitive answer on his future following talks scheduled for Wednesday.
Speaking in a video uploaded to Real Madrid’s official social media accounts, Vinicius Jr shed light on exactly what Mourinho has been communicating to him during training sessions.
The forward said: “He wants me to be just as I’ve always been – happy, positive and playing my own style of football.”
Real Madrid have been prominently featuring his return on their platforms, including a dedicated training montage uploaded earlier this week, suggesting the club is keen to keep him engaged.
However, Real Madrid chiefs are reportedly the driving force behind a potential sale, with the contract offer on the table falling short of Vinicius Jr’s wage demands despite an improved proposal reportedly worth around €22m (£18.9m) annually.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta and head coach Mikel Arteta are said to be ready to meet the Brazilian’s financial expectations, with Arteta now reportedly firmly involved in pushing the deal through.
Vinicius Jr remains the Gunners’ top attacking priority as Arteta looks to bolster his squad ahead of a 2026/27 season that could begin without several key players due to World Cup commitments.
The Premier League champions are also making progress on other transfer fronts, with Arsenal on the verge of agreeing a deal for Bruno Guimaraes following his delayed return to Newcastle United pre-season.
Separately, Everton have made a move for Christian Norgaard, with that transfer also expected to be finalised this week as clubs across the division look to finalise their squads.
