Liverpool, Arsenal doors swing open with Zidane ready to axe Madrid star

Liverpool and Arsenal could have a chance at signing Vinicius Junior as Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane prepares to sell the forward, a report has claimed.
Vinicius signed for Los Blancos from Flamengo in 2018 as the Brazilian club’s record sale. As such, he also arrived with expectations of him becoming a star in the Spanish giants’ team.
But while the 20-year-old has made 92 appearances for Madrid, he has largely struggled for a regular starting role. Instead, he has often had to settle for a role from the bench.
As a result, speculation last summer linked Liverpool and Arsenal with a move for the one-time Brazil international.
According to El Chiringuito (via Ok Diario), the Premier League giants could get another shot at his signing.
Madrid’s top target next summer is reportedly Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe. But with the France striker set to cost around €150million, Los Blancos could raise some funds to help their splurge.
Therefore, Madrid are ready to sacrifice Vinicius, who has lost his status as an ‘untouchable’ in Zidane’s squad.
Zidane will make him available and clubs who offer a suitable amount can sign him. However, the report does not name Madrid’s price range.
Nevertheless, the Spanish club feel confident that Liverpool, Arsenal and PSG will be among the clubs to show interest.
Indeed, the Reds reportedly contacted Vinicius’ entourage last summer but did not progress their interest.
Vinicius made 36 appearances in his debut season with Madrid, but a knee injury in the second half of the campaign halted his progress.
In 2019/20, he made 38 outings and, overall, has scored 11 goals and assisted 19 others.
Jurgen Klopp irked by media
Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp displayed a distrust in the media at Wednesday’s press conference.
The German coach wants his players to be more resilient and insists he is well aware of the reality facing his side.
Four matches without a win, the last three without scoring, has led to scrutiny not previously experienced by the defending champions.