Vinicius sends Arsenal message after choosing his future

Vinicius Junior’s representatives sent Arsenal a personal message before the Brazilian star made his final decision not to join the Premier League champions.

In what could have become the biggest transfer of the summer, Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior was strongly linked with a huge move to Arsenal.

After contract negotiations between Vinicius and Real Madrid ran into problems, reports suggested that the Brazilian was seriously considering a move to the Premier League.

A disagreement over a renewal bonus was believed to be one of the main problems in negotiations. Real Madrid were reportedly worried that agreeing to Vinicius’ demands could encourage other players in the squad to ask for similar deals.

However, a major breakthrough in talks changed the situation. Real Madrid eventually confirmed that they had reached an agreement with Vinicius on a new six-year contract, keeping him at the Bernabeu until June 2032.

Arsenal later strengthened their squad by signing Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United. However, missing out on Vinicius means the Gunners are still without the superstar forward they had hoped to add this summer.

According to The Athletic, Vinicius had been “genuinely attracted” by the idea of joining Arsenal. Every level of the club’s leadership had reportedly approved what would have been a club-record transfer, with Arsenal only waiting for the final green light from the player’s representatives.

Instead, Vinicius’ team contacted Arsenal on Wednesday to thank the club for the way they had handled the transfer talks. However, they also confirmed that the Brazilian had decided to sign a new contract with Real Madrid.

The message explained that Vinicius’ “affection” for Real Madrid played an important role in his decision. The huge “financial effort” made by the Spanish giants to keep him also helped convince the winger to remain at the Bernabeu.

The decision reportedly caused disappointment at Arsenal after “months of behind-the-scenes work” and “high-level” talks to prepare for the transfer. However, the Gunners accepted Vinicius’ choice and reportedly viewed their ability to seriously compete for a player of his level as a sign of the club’s progress in recent years.

Could Arsenal hijack Liverpool’s move for Bradley Barcola?

After missing out on Vinicius, Arsenal are reportedly considering a quick move for another top attacking player, Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.

The French international has been strongly linked with Liverpool this summer. However, Arsenal reportedly believe they could convince Barcola to reject the Reds and choose a move to London instead.

Former Arsenal forward Perry Groves has also suggested that Barcola’s interest in living in London could give the Gunners an advantage.

“I’ve got a source that says he wants to live in London,” Groves said on talkSPORT.

“There you go. I can’t tell you… I can’t divulge my sources.

“I’ve got a source. I’ve got a mole. Breaking news – Barcola wants to live in London.”

If Arsenal manage to sign Barcola, it would be a major setback for Liverpool. The Reds are looking to strengthen their attack after Mohamed Salah left the club at the end of last season.