Report: Several Real Madrid stars expected teammate to join Arsenal in the summer

Report: Several Real Madrid stars expected teammate to join Arsenal in the summer One month into the new season, Real Madrid must be ruing the renewal of Vinicius Jr., who has been one of the club’s biggest disappointments this term. The Brazilian international has not provided much to the table and has only scored one goal so far, to a point where his place in the team could be in danger . This is far cry to what could have been for Vinicius, given that the player was linked with a move to the Premier League in the summer. Many expected Vinicius to join Arsenal According to El Larguero , many of Vinicius’ teammates assumed he would leave for Arsenal during the summer transfer window. Vinicius was close to leaving Real Madrid this summer. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images) The Premier League club had reportedly gone all out to sign him, with the aim of making Vinicius the worldwide image of their league. Ultimately, the Brazilian opted to stay and commit his long-term future to Real Madrid, but the belief within the dressing room is that, mentally, he had already left. That perceived shift in mindset could go some way to explaining Vinicius’ underwhelming start to the campaign. The winger has looked a shadow of the player who was once a Ballon d’Or contender, and has already been substituted in four consecutive matches, including a 54th-minute withdrawal in the Madrid derby. As a result, the report suggests Mourinho now faces a significant decision over whether to persist with Vinicius in the starting eleven. Vinicius’ place in the first-team is in danger. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) What’s next for Vinicius? The coming weeks could prove pivotal in determining how Vinicius’ season unfolds. Mourinho has so far shown a willingness to hook the Brazilian early, a clear sign that his patience is wearing thin. With Kylian Mbappe firmly established as the focal point and the likes of Yan Diomande, Rodrygo and Arda Guler pushing for minutes, Vinicius can no longer take his place for granted. The international break offers the winger a chance to reset, though a strong showing for Brazil would do his confidence no harm. For Real Madrid, a firing Vinicius is crucial to their hopes of reeling in Barcelona. Should his struggles persist, however, Mourinho may be forced to make tough calls, and the Brazilian could find himself slipping down the pecking order.