Real Madrid Players Believed Vinicius Jr. Was Arsenal-Bound, Report Says

A Cadena SER report says several Real Madrid teammates expected the Brazilian forward to join Arsenal over the summer before he stayed put.

Several of Vinicius Jr.'s Real Madrid teammates believed the Brazilian would depart for Arsenal during the last transfer window, according to a report from Spanish outlet Cadena SER. The forward stayed at the Santiago Bernabeu, but the report suggests those around him feel he left mentally even though he never physically moved.

Cadena SER, citing sources close to the situation, said talks over a contract extension had stalled while the Premier League envisioned Vinicius as a global ambassador for the competition, pairing him with Erling Haaland in that promotional role. According to the report, the possibility gained enough traction that players inside the dressing room assumed a summer exit was coming.

The 26-year-old has struggled early this season. Fans at the Bernabeu have whistled after his errors, including in the derby against Atletico Madrid, and his overall displays have fallen short of the standard set by one of the club's leading attackers.

That run of form has created a selection question for manager Jose Mourinho following the international break. The report notes growing discussion about Yan Diomande potentially replacing Vinicius in the lineup if the Brazilian's performances do not turn around, with the outlet calling it a potentially major storyline when play resumes.