-
Alex Kirkland
Multiple Authors
Vinícius Júnior has returned to Real Madrid training as speculation about his future swirls, including potential ties to Arsenal.
The Brazil international had been on vacation following the World Cup, but he has now returned to Madrid, where he underwent medical checks prior to rejoining his teammates at the Valdebebas training complex.
On Friday, ESPN reported that Real Madrid may consider letting Vinícius depart if a new contract isn’t agreed upon, with only a year remaining on his current contract.
“Vinícius Jr. and Brahim [Diaz] have rejoined Real Madrid after their World Cup participation,” the club stated on its website on Monday.
“Both players underwent medical examinations at Blua Sanitas Valdebebas Hospital before completing their first training session under [new coach José] Mourinho.”
ESPN has indicated that Arsenal sees itself in a favorable position to acquire Vinícius if he chooses to leave Madrid, despite coach Mikel Arteta declining to comment on the rumors during a media briefing on Saturday.
– Transfer rumors, news: Arteta makes pitch to Vinícius Jr. to join Arsenal
Xabi Alonso: Real Madrid ‘scar’ has healed, Chelsea situation ‘not as bad as it looked’ last season
Real Madrid thanks UEFA for ‘protecting football’ after FIFA drops private equity proposal
Sources indicate that no date has yet been established for a meeting between Madrid executives and the player’s representatives to negotiate a new contract.
Madrid played to a 2-2 draw against Fiorentina in their initial pre-season friendly on Saturday, with Vinícius’ Brazilian teammate Endrick scoring the opening goal.
The team’s next match will be against Ferencvaros in Budapest on Saturday, as Mourinho, back for his second term, readies the squad for the upcoming LaLiga season.