Real Madrid dressing room expected 26-year-old star to leave for Arsenal in summer – report | OneFootball

Vinicius Jr.’s position at Real Madrid has changed dramatically in a matter of months, with a report from Cadena SER claiming that several of his teammates had expected him to leave for Arsenal during the summer.

The Brazilian ultimately remained at the Santiago Bernabeu, but his poor start to the season has created a new problem. 

His performances have drawn criticism from supporters, while his place in Jose Mourinho’s starting XI could now come under serious pressure.

Real Madrid teammates expected Vinicius to leave

Vinicius was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal during the summer, with the Premier League viewing the Brazilian as a potential global face of the competition alongside Erling Haaland.

According to the outlet, that possibility had become so convincing inside the Real Madrid dressing room that several players believed the forward would actually leave the club.

Explaining what it had learned from sources close to the situation, the outlet said: 

Vinicius was linked to Arsenal in the summer. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)

“Several sources consulted by SER believe this stems from the summer, when many of Vinicius’s teammates in the dressing room saw him at Arsenal. 

“His contract renewal was stalling; in England, they wanted to make him the global face of the Premier League, alongside Haaland and Vinicius, and his teammates assumed he would leave in the summer.

“He hasn’t left, but they believe he has mentally. The dressing room loves him, but it’s unlikely he’ll regain the Bernabéu’s affection.” 

Mourinho now faces a tough decision

Vinicius’ performance in the derby against Atletico Madrid has intensified the scrutiny. 

Mistakes have been met with whistles from the Bernabeu on several occasions already this season, while his overall performances have failed to match the level expected from one of Madrid’s most important attacking players.

That leaves Mourinho with a significant decision after the international break.

Vinicius has endured a tough start to the season. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)

The possibility of Yan Diomande taking Vinicius’ place is now being discussed, particularly if the Brazilian’s form does not improve. 

“His form on the pitch isn’t improving, the spectre of the bench is looming, and this could well be the big footballing story when the season resumes. 

“Whether Mou will keep Vinicius – a key player for Madrid over the last five years – in the starting line-up for much longer, or whether Diomande will take his place,” says the outlet.

For Vinicius, the situation is therefore not just about improving his form, but also about winning over the fans. 

He arrived at this season as one of Real Madrid’s established stars, but the combination of his summer transfer uncertainty, poor performances and growing frustration from the Bernabeu has created a very different situation.