Arsenal's reported admiration for Vinicius Junior may be going nowhere fast, according to EPL Index (Opta Stats), with Jose Mourinho said to be standing firmly in the way of any potential move.
The Brazilian forward's future at Real Madrid has been the subject of transfer speculation, and Arsenal are understood to be among the clubs keeping tabs on his situation. However, the report suggests Mourinho's stance makes any pathway to a deal look increasingly awkward for interested suitors.
While the appeal of a player of Vinicius' calibre is obvious for a club like Arsenal, who continue to be linked with marquee attacking reinforcements, the report indicates that circumstances at the Bernabeu are far from straightforward for anyone hoping to prise him away.
At this stage, there's no indication of a concrete approach from Arsenal, and the story remains firmly in speculation territory. Still, with Mourinho reportedly blocking the exit route, it looks like Vinicius' immediate future may not lie away from Madrid — whatever Arsenal's ambitions might be.