Mikel Obi has questioned whether Arsenal had enough pulling power to convince Vinicius Jr to leave Real Madrid, arguing that the Brazilian had little reason to abandon a club where he is competing for major trophies every season.
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, the former Nigeria international revisited Arsenal’s interest in Vinicius after the Brazil forward committed his future to Real Madrid with a new six-year contract.
Mikel Obi argued that Arsenal’s recent success has not yet erased the gap between the Premier League club and Real Madrid, particularly when it comes to European pedigree and the expectation of winning major trophies.
“I don’t know what the Arsenal fans were expecting,” Mikel said. “You know, you win a league after 22, 23 years. And then you all of a sudden think, that’s it, you’re right. You’re now one of the big boys again.
“No, you’re not.”
Mikel’s comments came after Arsenal’s reported interest in Vinicius developed into one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer stories.
The London club explored the possibility of signing the Brazilian while he was entering the final year of his previous Real Madrid contract, but Madrid ultimately secured his future with a new long term agreement.
Vinicius Jr. since arriving from Flamengo in 2018 has won 14 major titles with the Spanish giants including two Champions League crowns, three La Liga titles, three Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, one Copa del Rey and three Spanish Super Cups. Photocrdit: Imago
The former Chelsea midfielder believes Vinicius’ own career trajectory made an Arsenal move difficult to imagine.
The Brazilian has won major honours with Real Madrid and has already experienced the biggest stages of European football, including winning the Champions League.
“There is no way Vinny Jr. is leaving Real Madrid to go to Arsenal,” Mikel said.
“A club that’s won one title in 22, 23 years. This guy wins titles. He’s won lots of titles at Real Madrid. He wants to win titles season after season. Champions League, La Liga.”
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Mikel agrees that he attraction of remaining at Madrid goes beyond the club’s history. He pointed to Vinicius’ opportunity to continue competing for the Champions League and La Liga while playing alongside a squad he believes can challenge for the biggest honours.
“He’s tasted what it feels like winning the Champions League,” Mikel said. “Arsenal have never won the Champions League. Zero.”
He also highlighted the direction of the Madrid squad under José Mourinho, suggesting that the club’s current project gives Vinicius further incentive to remain in Spain.
“They look to me as a team that you look at the end of the season, you probably see them in the Champions League final,” he said.
Arsenal’s 2025/26 triumph is their fourth Premier League title, adding to their previous championships in 1997/98, 2001/02 and 2003/04. They are now the defending champions of England heading into the 2026/27 season. Photocredit: Getty Images
Mikel’s criticism was not simply about Arsenal’s ability to sign one player. His broader argument was that winning the Premier League after a long wait does not immediately place Arsenal on the same level as clubs that have consistently competed for European and domestic honours.
His comments are particularly pointed because Arsenal had emerged as serious contenders for Vinicius despite the enormous difference in recent Champions League success between the two clubs.
The Gunners’ reported interest was helped by the uncertainty surrounding Vinicius’ previous contract, creating a potential opening for clubs capable of offering the player a new challenge.
But that opening ultimately disappeared when Real Madrid secured a new agreement with their star forward.
Mikel had previously said ‘Arsenal play illegal football’ calling for action over Gunners’ controversial set-piece tactics.
Mikel also revealed that some Arsenal supporters had challenged him after he previously dismissed the possibility of Vinicius moving to the Emirates.
According to the former Nigeria captain, Arsenal fans sent him clips of his comments and warned him that they would return to the podcast if the transfer eventually happened.
“And all the Arsenal fans, when I said that, in my DM, I saw messages,” Mikel said.
“‘Oh, Mikel, we’ve clipped this, we’ve sent this video. And when it happens, we’re going to absolutely come on here and we’re going to absolutely destroy you.’”
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With Vinicius now staying at Real Madrid, Mikel believes the outcome has vindicated his original assessment that the decision to stay was never particularly not difficult to predict.
The Gunners, however, feel the failed pursuit is less about humiliation than the reality of competing for players already established at the very top of European football.
