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Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior’s representatives have strongly rejected what they called “false and damaging” reports about the Brazil forward’s future. With speculation growing over a possible blockbuster move for the winger to Premier League heavyweights Arsenal, Roc Nation Sports International released a stern statement urging greater responsibility from the media.

Vinicius’ agency attacks ‘unprofessional’ media coverage

Roc Nation Sports International, the agency representing Vinicius, has delivered a sharp response to recent reporting involving its high-profile clients. In a statement issued on Sunday, the organisation founded by music entrepreneur Jay-Z made clear its frustration with the kind of coverage emerging during the ongoing transfer window.

Although the statement did not directly identify the reports in question, it arrives at a time when rumours over the Brazilian international potentially leaving the Santiago Bernabeu have intensified significantly.

Michael Yormark, president of Roc Nation Sports International, voiced his concerns directly, saying: “Roc Nation Sports International and our entire team cannot stand idle when unprofessional and uninformed media publish fake and damaging information for attention-seeking purposes.”

“This is especially unacceptable when it personally targets our clients without any foundation. It is disruptive, harmful and libellous. Media outlets and journalists need to hold themselves more accountable.”

Arsenal keeping close watch on contract deadlock

Even after the forceful denial from his camp, Vinicius continues to be a major talking point in the Premier League. The 26-year-old is moving into the final phase of his present contract in the Spanish capital, and reports indicate that talks over a renewal have reached a clear standstill.

That uncertainty has put Arsenal’s leadership on alert, with the club at Emirates Stadium reportedly willing to stretch beyond its usual wage model and use attractive image-rights arrangements in an attempt to land one of the finest players in world football. The Gunners are said to have been following Vinicius’ situation at the Bernabeu very closely.

Arsenal’s admiration is no secret, although no official club-to-club discussions have started so far. The north London club has been highly active in the market as it looks for the extra edge needed to surpass its domestic competitors.

Arteta responds to transfer talk

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has done little to dampen the speculation, giving an interesting answer when asked about the possibility of signing the Real Madrid star. During the club’s pre-season tour, Arteta was questioned directly about the links and replied with a smile before speaking more broadly about Arsenal’s plans.

“Well, we are already active trying to improve and evolve the team – that’s clear,” Arteta said when responding to major transfer-market questions, underlining the club’s ambition to keep progressing.

“We expect to have movements in the next few weeks, obviously, because we want to get better like anybody else, and you can just see the transfer market and our opponents what we are doing.”

Mourinho waiting for Vinicius’ return

As the Premier League rumours continue, Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho remains concentrated on the upcoming season with his leading forward. The Portuguese coach, recently back in charge in Madrid, has been working with an incomplete squad during pre-season because of the extended breaks given to players involved in the latter stages of the World Cup.

“I’m concerned about not having everyone, and I would like to have three weeks of work with the others. It’s not possible,” Mourinho said. “On Monday, Vini Jr, Brahim, and Bernardo will arrive. Little by little, until the boys who played in the World Cup semifinals and final arrive, with the final being only Cucurella.”