Jose Mourinho wants Real Madrid to reject any attempt from Arsenal to sign Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior, according to reports.
The reigning Premier League champions are keen to bolster their options on the left wing and have begun exploring a blockbuster move for the Real Madrid star.
Direct talks between both clubs have not been initiated, but there is ‘approval at all levels’ within Arsenal for a move for the 26-year-old.
Vinicius Jr scored 22 goals and registered 14 assists last season, but has just 12 months left on his deal with Madrid and could leave on a free transfer next summer.
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And that precarious contract situation has given hope to potential suitors like Arsenal that they could lure the Brazilian away from the Spanish capital this summer.
Wages are likely to be an issue for the Gunners, with Vinicius Jr said to be already earning a mouthwatering £400,000 per week on his current deal.
And The Telegraph report that Mourinho will prove another obstacle in any potential sale, with the new Madrid head coach not keen to see one of his star players leave the club this summer.
Speaking in June, Madrid president Florentino Perez also indicated that the club are keen to keep Vinicius Jr beyond his current contract.
‘Vini is one of the best players in the world and he is delighted to be a Madrid player,’ Perez said.
‘He was decisive in winning the last two European Cups and he has one year left on his contract.
‘There is still time, but I tell you Vinicius wants to stay at Madrid and I want him to stay.’
If anything, Madrid appear keen to strengthen further on the left wing, with RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande a name under strong consideration.
An opening offer of €100 million (£85.4m) from Madrid has been rejected by the German club, with Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Liverpool also interested in the 19-year-old Ivorian.
The club are also working on a deal to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
The 30-year-old, who captained Spain to victory over Argentina in the World Cup final last weekend, is understood to be keen on a return to La Liga.
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