A report in Spain’s Cadena SER said that many players in the Real Madrid dressing‑room had assumed a high‑profile move to the Premier League club was inevitable after contract talks with the Santiago Bernabéu hierarchy stalled.
The same source added that the Premier League had been positioning Vinicius as one of its marquee global stars, set to rival Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.
However, the Brazilian forward ultimately chose to stay, signing a new deal with Real Madrid and, according to Cadena SER, preserving his strong relationships with teammates despite lingering uncertainty about his future role.
Vinicius’s recent form has drawn criticism from fans, with some suggesting he could be relegated to the bench. The arrival of summer signing Yan Diomande, who cost roughly £120 million, has intensified competition for a starting spot on the left wing.
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho is expected to review Vinicius’s position during the current international break, weighing the player’s on‑field contributions against the club’s broader tactical plans.
The decision to remain at Real Madrid means Vinicius will continue to chase a place among the world’s elite forwards, while Arsenal will need to look elsewhere for a marquee signing to boost its own global profile.