Mourinho reveals message that convinced Vinicius Jr to snub Arsenal

Jose Mourinho has revealed the message he gave Vinicius Junior before the Brazilian rejected the possibility of leaving Real Madrid amid serious interest from Arsenal.

The Premier League champions had been pursuing the 26-year-old as they looked to add another elite attacker to Mikel Arteta's squad, but Vinicius ultimately committed his future to Madrid by signing a new contract until 2032.

Mourinho has now confirmed he spoke directly with the forward before that decision and encouraged him not to leave the Spanish giants.

Arsenal attempted to take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding Vinicius after the Brazil international entered the final year of his previous contract.

Reports in Spain earlier this month claimed Arteta's side were prepared to make him the highest-paid player in the Premier League in an attempt to convince him to move to the Emirates.

Real Madrid's position was also significant. The Spanish club were reportedly prepared to consider a sale if Vinicius decided against extending his contract rather than risk allowing his situation to become more problematic.

That possibility disappeared on 6 August, when Madrid officially announced that Vinicius had signed a new deal running until 2032.

Speaking to El Chiringuito, Mourinho confirmed he held discussions with Vinicius before the contract extension was agreed.

"Obviously, I spoke with him, but Vinicius has fallen in love with Real Madrid," Mourinho said.

The Madrid manager then revealed the message he gave his attacker while uncertainty surrounded his future.

"Vini, where do you want to go? You've only been in Brazil, and you only know Real Madrid. When you leave, you'll know what Real Madrid is. Don't leave, it's not worth it."

Mourinho believes developments within the squad also helped convince Vinicius that remaining at the Bernabeu was the right decision.

He pointed towards the team's growth, quality and working environment as factors that have given the Brazilian confidence about Real Madrid's direction.

For Arsenal, Vinicius' extension ended what had developed into an ambitious attempt to recruit one of world football's leading forwards.

The Gunners were prepared to make a major financial commitment, but Mourinho's intervention and Vinicius' attachment to Madrid helped the Spanish champions retain one of their most valuable players.

Arsenal's interest nevertheless illustrates the level at which the Premier League champions are now operating in the transfer market. Arteta's side are looking for players capable of improving an already title-winning squad rather than simply adding depth.

With Vinicius no longer available, Arsenal must pursue other opportunities if they still intend to add another elite attacker before the transfer window closes.

Vinicius' new contract means Arsenal can effectively remove the Brazilian from their summer shortlist and concentrate their resources elsewhere.

For Real Madrid, Mourinho can move forward with one of his key attackers committed for the long term. Arsenal, meanwhile, still have time to identify another forward capable of meeting the exceptionally high standard required to improve Arteta's title-winning squad.

Would Vinicius Junior have taken Arsenal to another level, and which elite attacker should the Gunners target instead? Have your say.