Vinicius Junior used Arsenal to get a better Real Madrid deal – John Obi Mikel

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel believes Vinicius Jr. used reported interest from Arsenal as leverage to secure a better contract at Real Madrid, insisting the Brazilian winger was never seriously considering a move to the Premier League.

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel said he was “100% sure” Vinicius would remain in Madrid, with the forward having now extended his contract with the Spanish giants.

“He’s not coming. Forget about that. He’s just using Arsenal to get a better deal. He’s not leaving Real Madrid”, Mikel said.

The comments come after months of speculation linking Vinicius with Arsenal, with the Premier League side reportedly viewed as one of the clubs capable of making a major move for the Brazil international.

Mikel, however, believes the transfer talk was largely designed to strengthen Vinicius’ negotiating position at Real Madrid rather than signal a genuine desire to leave.

‘Why will he leave?’

The former Nigeria international sees little reason for Vinicius to walk away from Real Madrid, particularly after committing his future to the club.

“I’m sure about that. One hundred per cent. He’s not leaving Real Madrid. Why will he leave? Arsenal is a big team and Real Madrid are not willing to budge. Florentino Perez is not willing to budge, so I don’t think Vini’s coming to Arsenal.”

Vinicius has become one of the most influential players in Real Madrid’s attack since joining the club from Flamengo in 2018 and has continued to occupy a central role in their plans.

His contract extension has now ended much of the uncertainty surrounding his future, strengthening Mikel’s belief that the Arsenal links were ultimately part of the negotiations.

Arsenal would make history

Although Mikel does not expect Vinicius to leave Madrid, he admitted that Arsenal would make a statement of enormous proportions if they somehow managed to sign him.

“I’ll probably say that is certain for sure. If he does, that is one hell of a deal. It’s probably going to be the signing of the Premier League so far.”

The former midfielder believes such a transfer would immediately rank among the biggest deals in Premier League history.

“It will surely be the biggest transfer of all time in the Premier League. But I just think it’s not going to happen. He’s going to stay at Real Madrid.”

Mourinho factor unlikely to derail Vinicius

Mikel also addressed the relationship between Vinicius and Jose Mourinho, who is now the Real Madrid head coach.

The pair have previously crossed paths, and Mikel believes any disagreements between them would not prevent them from working effectively together at the Bernabéu.

“There’s this little thing that happened with him and Jose, when Jose was at Benfica. But I think as professionals, you find a way of working together.”

Drawing on his own experience of playing under Mourinho at Chelsea, Mikel believes the Portuguese coach is capable of resolving disagreements with players.

“Knowing Jose Mourinho, you have a fallout with him and he tells you exactly what he wants. If you do what he wants, you move on and you guys become best pals.”

With Vinicius having committed his future to Real Madrid and Mourinho now overseeing the team, Mikel remains convinced that the Brazilian’s future is firmly in Spain.

“I’m sure Vini wants to stay at Real Madrid and they also want it to happen. But if he does go to Arsenal, it will be the biggest transfer.”