Vinicius Junior's camp reached out to Arsenal to explain why the 26-year-old forward decided to remain at Real Madrid last week, even thanking the Gunners for the treatment they received during the back-and-forth negotiations, according to The Athletic.
The Brazilian attacker emerged as a surprise target for Arsenal this summer after talks over a contract extension with Madrid had broken down twice. Mikel Arteta was reportedly 'absolutely smitten' with the idea of bringing Vinicius to north London, and Arsenal's hierarchy was prepared to make him the highest-paid player in Premier League history.
However, a major breakthrough in negotiations between Madrid and Vinicius a week ago convinced the player to commit his future to Los Blancos. It was subsequently announced that Vinicius had signed a six-year contract, keeping him at the La Liga giants until June 2032.
Arsenal's Pursuit and Vinicius's Attraction
According to The Athletic, Vinicius had been 'genuinely attracted' by Arsenal's proposal, which was approved at all levels within the Premier League champions' hierarchy. The ambitious offer was made after 'months of behind-the-scenes work' and 'high-level' dialogue between Arteta and key decision-makers at the club.
Arsenal first began to get serious about Vinicius over the winter, 'speaking at length' with the Brazil international and his team to outline the project he would spearhead under Arteta. Continued 'frosty' relations between Vinicius and Madrid gave Arsenal increasing confidence that a deal was possible, and the Gunners were optimistic of pulling off a sensational coup right up until last week.
Turning Point and Gratitude
After twice being rejected by Vinicius, Madrid's efforts reached a 'turning point' last Wednesday. Just hours later, the superstar winger wiped his Instagram page in preparation for a new chapter at the Bernabeu, and official confirmation of his renewal followed soon after.
Vinicius's inner circle confirmed the player's contract agreement to Arsenal last Wednesday, expressing gratitude for how the north London giants had handled themselves during their pursuit. The report adds that Vinicius's camp stressed that the decision was due to his 'affection' for Madrid and the significant 'financial effort' made to keep him in the Spanish capital.
Arsenal's Reaction and Alternatives
While there was understandable 'disappointment' at the Emirates, Arsenal bosses were also 'accepting' of Vinicius's decision, aware that such a move always carried a strong possibility of failure. The Athletic claims that many at Arsenal saw it as an indicator of progression that they had even been in with a shot of capturing one of the most high-profile players in the world.
Forced to consider alternatives, Arsenal have been tentatively linked with Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola and Juventus' Kenan Yildiz in recent days. The Gunners have already moved to replace Leandro Trossard with the addition of Club Brugge's Christos Tzolis on the left wing last month, while Illan Meslier has been signed on a free transfer as back-up to David Raya.
Piero Hincapie remains Arsenal's only other first-team recruit of the summer, with the reigning English champions activating their £35million option to sign the defender outright from Bayer Leverkusen.
