Vinicius Jr has spoken publicly for the first time since speculation over his Real Madrid future intensified, insisting he is fully focused on the new season as uncertainty continues to surround his contract situation.
The Brazil international returned to pre-season training this week ahead of a crucial round of talks over a new deal, with Arsenal among the clubs keeping a close eye on developments should negotiations fail to produce an agreement.
Vinicius has just one year left on his current contract, fuelling speculation over a lucrative move to the Premier League as a result.
Arsenal are the frontrunners for his signature, with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta eager to bolster his attack as he looks to steer the club to successive league titles.
Speaking after his first day back at Real’s training base, though, Vinicius appeared relaxed as he looked ahead to working under new manager Jose Mourinho.
“Very well, getting to know the new manager, the new players and working really hard in training,” he said.
The Brazilian also revealed what Mourinho told him following his return to the club.
Vinicius Jr has spoken publicly for the first time since speculation over his Real Madrid future intensified, insisting he is fully focused on the new season as uncertainty continues to surround his contract situation
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He added: “He wants me to be just as I’ve always been – happy, positive and playing my own style of football.
“I think the goal is to get us match fit so we have fewer injuries during the season and can rely on everyone throughout the campaign.
“Two days in already. Yesterday was a double session, today just the one. That’s how it’s going.
Vinicius Jr is back in training at Real Madrid following his exploits at the World Cup
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“Today we did some gym work, in the end they were short exercises to build up leg strength and I think it was a really good session.
“We all finished completely dead on our feet, but now it’s time to rest up for tomorrow.
“That’s pre-season for you – we’ve got to be ready.”
While Vinicius prepares for fresh contract discussions, Arsenal continue to search for further additions before the transfer window closes.
Manager Arteta refused to be drawn into speculation linking the Gunners with the Real star following his side’s pre-season victory over Girona.
When asked jokingly when Vinicius would be arriving in north London, the Spaniard simply laughed before walking away.
Vinicius Jr has just a year left on his Real Madrid contract
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However, Arteta did make it clear Arsenal remain active in the transfer market.
“Well, we are really active, trying to improve and evolve the team. That’s clear,” he said.
“We expect to have movements in the next few weeks, obviously, because we want to get better like anybody else.
“And you can just see the transfer market and our opponents.
“What we are doing, we won’t sit still and we are very ambitious in what we want to do.”
Arsenal have already strengthened their attack with the £34million signing of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, while Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes also continues to be linked with a move to the Emirates.
