Why Vini Jr won’t join Arsenal – Mikel Obi

Former Super Eagles captain and Chelsea legend John Mikel Obi has shared his thoughts on Arsenal's pursuit of Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Premier League champions have been strongly linked with the 26-year-old in recent weeks amid uncertainty surrounding his contract situation at Real Madrid.

Vinicius joined the Spanish giants in 2018 and has established himself as one of the world's best forwards. Since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu, he has scored 128 goals in 375 appearances across all competitions while helping the club win multiple trophies, including three La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League crowns.

Despite his success, speculation over his future has persisted since last season, with his current contract due to expire at the end of next season. That has fuelled reports linking him with a possible move away from Madrid during the current transfer window.

Arsenal, who are looking to strengthen their attacking options after inconsistent performances in the final third last season, have emerged as the club strongly linked to the Brazilian.

Mikel Obi explains why Vini Jr will not join Arsenal

Arsenal have already bolstered their attack with the signing of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge this summer, but Vinicius would represent a significant upgrade on the left wing. However, completing such a deal would be extremely difficult.

Signing the Real Madrid forward would rank among the biggest transfers in Premier League history, but Mikel believes the chances of it happening looks very slim.

Speaking on the speculation, the former Chelsea midfielder insisted that a move is very unlikely and Vinicius looks more likely to stay in Spain than move to the Premier League.

“He's not coming. Forget about that. He's just using Arsenal to get a better deal. He's not leaving Real Madrid”, Mikel said, via the Obi One Podcast.

“I'm sure about that. One hundred per cent. He's not leaving Real Madrid. Why will he leave? Arsenal is a big team and Real Madrid are not willing to budge. Florentino Perez is not willing to budge, so I don't think Vini's coming to Arsenal.

“I'll probably say that is certain for sure. If he does, that is one hell of a deal. It's probably going to be the signing of the Premier League so far. It will surely be the biggest transfer of all time in the Premier League. But I just think it's not going to happen. He's going to stay at Real Madrid.

“There's this little thing that happened with him and Jose, when Jose was at Benfica. But I think as professionals, you find a way of working together. Knowing Jose Mourinho, you have a fallout with him and he tells you exactly what he wants. If you do what he wants, you move on and you guys become best pals.

“I'm sure Vini wants to stay at Real Madrid and they also want it to happen. But if he does go to Arsenal, it will be the biggest transfer”, the ex-Chelsea star concluded.

With the summer transfer window still open, Vinicius' future remains one of the biggest stories to keep tabs on with the possibility of moving to the Premier League champions very likely.