ZINEDINE ZIDANE has reportedly sidelined Vinicius Jr at Real Madrid for texting during a team talk.
The Arsenal target has fallen out of favour under the Frenchman and reports suggest his manager was left fuming by his perceived rudeness.
Vinicius Jr has been sidelined at Real Madrid for texting during a team talkCredit: Rex Features
Zinedine Zidane is said to be fuming with the BrazilianCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Vinicius Jr, 20, has not started any of Los Blancos’ last five games and sat on the bench for the whole of Real’s 0-0 draw at Osasuna on Saturday.
And the snub stemmed from an incident ahead of Real’s Champions League last-16 second leg tie against Manchester City on August 7, according to AS.
Vinicius is said to have reacted badly to being told Eden Hazard was starting ahead of him.
And the Brazilian stared staring at his phone instead of listening to Zidane’s instructions to the team.
French legend Zidane was said to be angry at the time although he did not say anything.
But the winger has felt the consequeces since after being dumped from the team.
Despite his lack of game time at the Bernabeu, Arsenal are said to be lining up a loan move for Vinicius this month.
Under-fire boss Mikel Arteta is desperate to add creativity to his floundering Gunners side.
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Club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has looked a shadow of his former self, while summer signing Willian has failed to deliver.
And the Brazilian could lose his place in the side to his compatriot Vinicius Jr.
According to the Daily Star, Arsenal are set to reignite their interest in the 20-year-old having failed to bring him to the Emirates last year.
It was claimed Unai Emery was keen to secure the youngster’s services, but Los Blancos were unwilling to part ways with the player.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
