John Mikel Obi, a legend of Chelsea and the Super Eagles, has taken a jab at Arsenal about their failed attempt to sign Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior this summer.
Mikel questioned why Vinicius would leave a top club like Madrid for Arsenal. He believes only Arsenal fans thought this transfer could happen. This was reported by PUNCH Sports Extra.
“I just think it was only the Arsenal fans that believed that was going to happen. I don’t know what they were smoking,” Mikel said on the Obi One Podcast.
The former Chelsea player pointed out that Vinicius had no real reason to leave Madrid. He mentioned the club's rich history and importance in football.
“This guy has been around Madrid, a team that has won the Champions League 15 times, won La Liga so many times. The most successful football club in the world.
“One of the best players in the club, one of the marquee names of the football club. He’s going to leave all that and come to Arsenal?
“A team that has won one Premier League title for such a long time. A team that hasn’t been successful in recent years. Why will he do that? Why will he do that?” he added.
Mikel's comments came after Arsenal's failed attempt to sign the Brazilian player. The Premier League champions reportedly made a big offer to try to get him away from Madrid.
Although Vinicius was said to be interested in Arsenal's offer, Madrid eventually secured a deal with him. He signed a new six-year contract that will keep him at the club until June 2032.
Arsenal had high hopes of finalizing this big deal after months of talks with Vinicius and his team. But in the end, the player chose to stick with Madrid.
Mikel ended his criticism with another jab at Arsenal, saying, “They wanted Morgan Rogers.”
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