Mourinho lays down his expectations for Vinicius Jr
Jose Mourinho has told Arsenal transfer target Vinicius Jr to enjoy himself, be positive and continue playing his style of football.
The 25-year-old is back training in the Spanish capital after his break following Brazil's World Cup exit but the focus has instead been on his future amid significant interest from the Gunners.
Vinicius has just one year remaining on his current contract and while there has not been a breakthrough in extension talks for some time, that could be about to change with new discussions set to take place on Wednesday.
As such, Arsenal could be about to learn a definitive transfer outcome over his future with Real's stance clear that he either agrees to extend or is sold this summer.
In the meantime, the forward has been putting in the hard yards alongside his Real team-mates under Mourinho's watchful eye.
In a video posted to Real's official social media channels, he lifted the lid on exactly what the new Los Blancos chief expects from him.
He wants me to be just as I've always been - happy, positive and playing my own style of football.
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A large number of Real Madrid's recent posts have centred on his comeback, with a 'train with Vini Jr' montage shared on Monday.
In the latest clip, Vinicius goes on to discuss the training sessions he has taken part in so far and looks ahead to the forthcoming season — comments that strongly suggest he has no desire to leave.
Real chiefs appear to be the ones pushing for a departure, with the contract proposal that has been available for some time falling short of Vinicius' salary expectations.
Since his return, there have been claims that an enhanced offer has been tabled which would see him earn approximately €22m (£18.9m) per year, though even that remains insufficient.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta and head coach Mikel Arteta, who is now said to be heavily involved in negotiations, seem prepared to meet his financial requirements.
Vinicius Jr stands as the club's primary attacking target, with Arteta eager to bolster his squad that may be somewhat depleted during the opening weeks of the 2026/27 campaign owing to the World Cup.
Multiple midfielders could be absent for the initial fixtures, but the Premier League champions appear poised to secure an addition that will enhance Arteta's choices.
Following his belated return to Newcastle United pre-season training, Arsenal are close to finalising a deal for Bruno Guimaraes.
Progress in that transfer situation comes after Everton launched a bid for Christian Norgaard, with that deal also anticipated to be concluded this week.
Background links to earlier Vinicius Jr coverage
The latest developments come after a period of uncertainty around Vinicius Jr's future, with Arsenal repeatedly monitoring the situation as talks over a new Real Madrid contract continued to stall.
That picture was explored in Vinicius Jr delays Real Madrid return as Arsenal monitor contract stand-off, which reported that he would not return to Real Madrid training that week as contract discussions continued.
Arsenal's interest has also been outlined in Arsenal ready Vinicius Jr move as Arteta delivers transfer message, where Mikel Arteta told the Brazil star he would be central to the project at the Emirates if the chance arose.
Earlier still, Real Madrid president makes Vinicius Jr Arsenal stance clear as contract uncertainty grows set out Florentino Perez's view that he'd "love Vinicius Jnr to stay forever" as Arsenal tracked the situation.
There was also Arsenal explore stunning Vinicius Junior transfer as Real Madrid move approved, which said Arsenal were exploring a move for the winger with the deal approved at all levels within the club.
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