Vinicius Jr reveals what Jose Mourinho told him as he weighs up his future amid Arsenal links
Vinicius Jr has revealed that new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho encouraged him to maintain his “happy” and “joyful” approach to football as the Brazil international navigates ongoing speculation about his future at the Bernabéu.
The 26-year-old forward, who recently returned for pre-season training following his World Cup commitments, is entering the final year of his contract next summer and has yet to agree a new deal.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after his second day back, Vinicius said: “It has gone very well, getting to know the new coach and the new players and training very hard.”
He added: “Mourinho wants me to be as I have always been: happy, joyful and to play my football. We have to prepare physically so that during the season, we have fewer injuries and thus be able to count on everyone.”
Jamie Braidwood4 August 2026 17:38
Bruno Guimaraes: An all-action midfielder
Bruno Guimaraes is a true all-round midfielder, excelling in a number of different areas.
On the ball, Guimaraes stands out highly when compared to other Premier League midfielders when it comes to short, sharp progressive passes through the lines. This will help to quicken Arsenal’s play when faced with deep-lying defences. Guimaraes is also excellent at using long passes to switch play out wide, or to release an attacker running behind the opponent’s back-line.
Newcastle fans appreciated Guimaraes’ quality in possession and his creativity. But where the Toon fell in love with the Brazilian was his snarling attitude off the ball. Guimaraes is the midfield king of one of Mikel Arteta’s buzzwords – duels – and it is his aggression in the challenge and ability to regain possession that made him the beating heart of Newcastle when they were at their intense best under Eddie Howe.
(PA Archive)
Jamie Braidwood4 August 2026 17:20
Why Arsenal want Bruno Guimaraes so badly
Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Bruno Guimaraes this summer.
Here, Archie Corbett explains why Mikel Arteta is so keen on adding the Newcastle captain to his title-winning squad.
Why Arsenal Want Bruno Guimaraes So Badly
Jamie Braidwood4 August 2026 17:08
Gio Reyna signs for Strasbourg
Chelsea aren’t the only BlueCo subsidiary making moves. Gio Reyna is in need of rejuvenation after a couple of tricky years in Germany, and the American has signed for Strasbourg.
Harry Latham-Coyle4 August 2026 16:48
Liverpool get Bradley Barcola boost?
Liverpool remain interested in signing Bradley Barcola this summer as the Reds bid to talk Paris Saint-Germain down from their £140m asking price.
But Liverpool could have received a boost by the news that PSG are set to sign Monaco’s France international winger Maghnes Akliouche in a £42.8m deal.
Could PSG already be lining up Barcola’s replacement in the 24-year-old Akliouche?
Jamie Braidwood4 August 2026 16:32
Man Utd ‘learn Lewis Hall decision’
Newcastle are determined to keep Lewis Hall this summer, even if Manchester United are interested in a £60m transfer.
Hall, 21, has emerged as Manchester United’s No 1 target for left back but Newcastle do not want to sell another first-team player this summer, with Bruno Guimaraes set to follow Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon out of the club.
That’s according to The Athletic, who report that Newcastle are insisting that Hall is not for sale.
Jamie Braidwood4 August 2026 16:18
Arsenal step up talks with Newcastle over signing of Bruno Guimaraes
Arsenal stepped up their talks with Newcastle United this afternoon and entered formal discussions over the transfer of the midfielder, and those negotiations are now moving rapidly.
David Ornstein reports that Arsenal are nearing “total agreement” with Newcastle to sign Guimaraes. The Magpies had knocked back Arsenal’s first bid, but have seemingly returned with a better offer.
The 28-year-old now just needs permission to undergo a medical at Arsenal. Guimaraes joined up with Newcastle’s pre-season training camp in La Manga but wants to joint the Premier League champions.
(PA)
Jamie Braidwood4 August 2026 16:03
Mykhailo Mudryk set for Chelsea return – but could he be on the move?
Mykhailo Mudryk looks in line to feature for Chelsea in a friendly against Juventus tomorrow, though the Ukrainian is a transfer target for several clubs after being cleared to play again following the resolution of his doping ban. Coventry City are reported by the Mirror to be among those interested – Frank Lampard worked briefly with Mudryk during his second spell at Stamford Bridge.
Mykhailo Mudryk is back in Chelsea colours (Reuters)
Harry Latham-Coyle4 August 2026 15:50
Mikel Arteta provides update on Arsenal transfer plans
Mikel Arteta has declared Arsenal’s ambition to make moves in the transfer market over the next few weeks.
“We expect to have movements in the next few weeks, obviously,” said Arteta after his side’s 4-1 pre-season win over Girona at the weekend.
“We want to get better like anybody else, and you can see the transfer market and our opponents… We won’t sit still and we are very ambitious with what we are doing.
“The margins are very small. Because we want to get better and the level is going to increase. We need to increase the competition internally. We need to make sure we identify the things that we don’t have in the team.”
Mikel Arteta hopes to improve his squad (Getty)
Mike Jones4 August 2026 15:30
Arsenal in talks for Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno Guimaraes has arrived in Spain, judging by his Instagram, for Newcastle’s preseason training camp even as he angles for a move to Arsenal. The London club are in talks over the midfielder having had an initial offer knocked back this week.
Harry Latham-Coyle4 August 2026 15:10