Jose Mourinho sends message to Arsenal over Vinicius Junior transfer

Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho (Picture: Getty)

Jose Mourinho wants Real Madrid to reject any attempt from Arsenal to sign Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior, according to reports.

The reigning Premier League champions are keen to bolster their options on the left wing and have begun exploring a blockbuster move for the Real Madrid star.

Direct talks between both clubs have not been initiated, but there is ‘approval at all levels’ within Arsenal for a move for the 26-year-old.

Vinicius Jr scored 22 goals and registered 14 assists last season, but has just 12 months left on his deal with Madrid and could leave on a free transfer next summer.

And that precarious contract situation has given hope to potential suitors like Arsenal that they could lure the Brazilian away from the Spanish capital this summer.

Wages are likely to be an issue for the Gunners, with Vinicius Jr said to be already earning a mouthwatering £400,000 per week on his current deal.

And The Telegraph report that Mourinho will prove another obstacle in any potential sale, with the new Madrid head coach not keen to see one of his star players leave the club this summer.

Vinicius Junior scored four goals at the World Cup (Picture: Getty)

Speaking in June, Madrid president Florentino Perez also indicated that the club are keen to keep Vinicius Jr beyond his current contract.

‘Vini is one of the best players in the world and he is delighted to be a Madrid player,’ Perez said.

‘He was decisive in winning the last two European Cups and he has one year left on his contract.

‘There is still time, but I tell you Vinicius wants to stay at Madrid and I want him to stay.’

Vinicius Jr has only one year left on his Real Madrid contract (Picture: Getty)

If anything, Madrid appear keen to strengthen further on the left wing, with RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande a name under strong consideration.