Two senior figures at Roc Nation Sports International said in a SportsBoom interview that Arsenal made a serious and aggressive attempt to sign Vinícius Júnior before the 26-year-old stayed at Real Madrid and signed an extended deal. The comments came from representatives of the player.
Roc Nation details Arsenal interest
Michael Yormack, President at Roc Nation Sports International, said: "You saw the news; Arsenal was very involved. They were very aggressive."
Yormack also said: "Did he ever seriously consider Arsenal? I mean, of course. When a team like Arsenal rolls out the red carpet for you and makes you feel really wanted, then obviously you have to listen."
Veitch explains why he stayed
Grant Veitch, Director of African Football Recruitment at Roc Nation Sports International, said: "With Vini, he went to Madrid at a very young age, and I think there’s an element of comfort, wanting to be there and wanting to build something at Real Madrid."
Veitch added: "There were other opportunities that arose. But I think the level of comfort he has, and him already being a star at Real Madrid, it kept him there, and he wanted to stay."
Madrid remains the preference
Veitch said: "You can branch out, but I think the comfort level of him being there since such a young age and wanting to build up his reputation and wanting to continue that and win more titles with Real Madrid, that’s the main reason he’s stayed."
Yormack said: "But to Grant’s point, Vini’s heart is in Madrid, that’s where he’s always wanted to be, and that’s where he is, and that’s where he hopes to be for the rest of his career. I don’t think there was ever a question."