Arsenal could revive Vinicius Jr interest if Real Madrid endure another trophyless season

Arsenal should not give up hope of signing Vinicius Jr, according to European football expert Andy Brassell, who believes Real Madrid may be forced to reassess their squad if they finish another campaign without silverware.

The Gunners considered a move for the Brazil international during the summer, when uncertainty surrounded his contract. Vinicius, 26, ultimately agreed a new deal with Real Madrid that runs until 2032.

However, his position at the Santiago Bernabeu has become more difficult under Jose Mourinho. He has scored once in 10 appearances and was sent off against Villarreal.

Real Madrid attack facing questions

Brassell believes the arrival of Yan Diomande has affected the balance of Real Madrid’s forward line. He also suggested there were people within the club who would have preferred Vinicius to leave for Arsenal, allowing the Spanish side to build around Kylian Mbappe and Diomande.

“There were definitely people at Real Madrid who would have been happier and would have felt it was cleaner for him to go to Arsenal,” Brassell told talkSPORT.com.

“They could move forward with Mbappe and Diomande. It’s not obvious how the front part of Real Madrid fits together anymore. From Vinicius’ perspective it’s really unfair.”

Vinicius was regarded as arguably the best player in the world in 2024, when Real Madrid’s attacking play was built around him. Brassell said a move to Arsenal could provide the Brazilian with a fresh start and allow him to recover that level of influence.

“In 2024 this was his team and he was maybe the best player in the world,” he said. “I wonder in that context would it have been better if he went to Arsenal where there’s a whole new enthusiasm for him.”

Real Madrid may face major decision

A third consecutive season without a trophy could leave Real Madrid needing to make a significant decision over their leading players, Brassell added.

The club could face a choice between selling Vinicius or Mbappe rather than allowing the current situation to continue unchanged.

“I wonder if we get to the end of this season and Real Madrid have won nothing again for the third straight season,” Brassell said. “They’re faced with some sort of decision. Do you sell Vinicius? Do you sell Mbappe? You’ve got to do something, you can’t just leave it as it is.”

He also pointed to the possible frustration of Jude Bellingham, who Brassell believes is likely to want the club to construct a team around him.

“All the time the guy who’s probably your best player [Jude Bellingham] is thinking come on, build a team around me then,” he concluded.