Vinicius Jr agents release explosive statement as Arsenal transfer takes major twist | Football | Sport

Vinicius Junior‘s agency, Roc Nation, have slammed ‘fake and damaging’ media reports amid suggestions that he could join Arsenal this summer. The winger has reportedly emerged as a top target for the reigning Premier League champions, who have been widely tipped to sign a new left-sided attacker to replace Gabriel Martinelli in their starting line-up.

Vinicius is yet to agree fresh terms at the Bernabeu, with his current contract expiring at the end of the upcoming season. It’s been reported that Real Madrid have informed him that he will be sold unless he accepts their latest offer, which is said to be final. As a result, a blockbuster move to Arsenal appears to be emerging as a real possibility.

In light of recent reports, Roc Nation have issued a damning statement urging journalists to be more “accountable” and slamming “unprofessional and uninformed” behaviour.

The statement, which made no reference to the Arsenal links, was published by the organisation’s president, Michael Yormark, on social media.

It reads: “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.”

Roc Nation, the agency founded by rapper Jay-Z, represent a number of top footballers including Yan Diomande, Endrick, Lucas Paqueta and Habib Diarra.

It remains to be seen if they will oversee a potential move to Arsenal for Vinicius, who is among their highest-profile clients.

Mikel Arteta smiled when asked about the Brazil international over the weekend, before insisting that he will be looking to make further signings before the window closes.

He said: “Well, we are already active trying to improve and evolve the team. That’s clear. 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. We won’t sit still and we are very ambitious what we want to do.”

Arsenal have already signed Piero Hincapie on a permanent basis following his loan spell last season, as well as welcoming Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier to the Emirates Stadium.