Carragher: Vinicius using Arsenal interest as bargaining chip
The former Liverpool defender believes the Brazilian is leveraging Arsenal's interest to secure a more lucrative Real Madrid contract.
LONDON: Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Vinicius Junior is merely using Arsenal's interest as a strategy to land a more lucrative new contract with Real Madrid.
The Brazilian is now entering the final year of his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu after renewal talks failed to reach an agreement following last year's Club World Cup.
That situation has drawn Arsenal's attention, with manager Mikel Arteta reported to be keen on bringing the 26-year-old to the Emirates Stadium.
Reports even suggest Arsenal are prepared to make Vinicius the highest-paid player in English Premier League (EPL) history.
Real reluctant to let him go
Spanish media, however, report that Vinicius is still prioritising a resolution to his future at Real, with club manager Jose Mourinho stressing that he does not want to lose the player.
Vinicius himself hinted positively about his future when praising his early relationship with Mourinho.
"Everything is going well. I am adapting to a new manager and new players, and working hard in training," he said.
"Mourinho wants me to stay as I was before — happy, cheerful and playing my own way," Vinicius said.
According to Carragher, Arsenal need a world-class player like Vinicius if they are serious about challenging for the Champions League title.
There has been no official announcement from either Real Madrid or Arsenal on the player's future. – AGENCIES/UTUSAN
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