Arsenal assistant confirms Vinícius Júnior was considered before Real Madrid renewal

Arsenal assistant manager Miguel Molina has confirmed Vinícius Júnior was discussed as a potential summer signing before the Brazilian committed his future to Real Madrid.

The Gunners explored an ambitious move while uncertainty surrounded the winger's future in Spain. Vinícius had entered the final year of his previous contract and disagreements over an extension appeared to give Arsenal an opportunity.

Real Madrid eventually ended that possibility by agreeing a new deal with the 26-year-old, who signed a contract until 2032 on August 6.

Molina, who has worked alongside Mikel Arteta at Arsenal since August 2020, was directly questioned about the club's interest during an appearance on Radio Marca's La Tribu.

Asked whether Vinícius had been a genuine consideration for Arsenal, the assistant manager confirmed his name had been discussed.

“Yes, of course,” Molina said. “Obviously, I can’t stray from the facts, but he was a name that was on the table, yes.”

It represents unusually direct confirmation of Arsenal's interest after months of speculation surrounding the Brazilian's future.

The Premier League champions ultimately had to abandon their hopes once Real Madrid secured Vinícius on a long-term contract, with José Mourinho's side ensuring one of their biggest attacking assets would not enter the market.

Arsenal's interest came during a period when Vinícius and Real Madrid had yet to reach an agreement over his future.

Once the renewal was completed, however, the possibility of an Emirates move effectively disappeared.

Vinícius has since experienced a relatively quiet opening to the new campaign, recording one goal and three assists across eight appearances. He has also gone close to a month without scoring.

Spanish reports have recently suggested the summer uncertainty, including Arsenal's interest, may have contributed to his mixed start, although that remains an interpretation rather than an established explanation for his form.

For Arsenal, Molina's comments provide confirmation that the club were genuinely considering another major attacking addition before Real Madrid took Vinícius off the market.

Vinícius will now attempt to rediscover his best form after committing his long-term future to Real Madrid.

Arsenal, meanwhile, must move forward without the Brazilian after their ambitious summer interest failed to develop into a transfer.