Carlo Ancelotti responds to Saudi interest in Vinicius Junior

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti claims reports linking Vinicius Junior with a move to the Saudi Pro League are 'just speculation'.

Reports across the world this week claimed that the forward had received an approach from the Middle East, though it was not made clear which club was interested in Vinicius' services. There have, however, been suggestions Madrid could receive a world-record bid for the Brazil international.

But Ancelotti is confident that Vinicius' career will continue in the Spanish capital, with the 24-year-old keen to win more titles with Madrid.

When asked at a press conference ahead of the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta whether there was any truth to reports about Vinicius, Ancelotti replied: "There isn't anything at all.

"There's just speculation, at this time in the [transfer] market, which closes on August 31, there's just speculation, nothing else.

"Of course speculation doesn't affect [Vinicius]. He's here, he wants to be here. He wants to do his best and help Real Madrid.

"We have our project and we continue in that. We have a squad of great quality. We've lost important players and we've brought in others who have to adapt. We have to work to maintain the atmosphere, and the commitment, which was the key last year."

Vinicius, who moved to Madrid in 2018 after leaving boyhood club Flamengo, is tied to the Spanish giants until 2027. He will prove a vital figure in the club's 2024/25 season, during which they will hope to retain both their La Liga and Champions League titles, alongside new signing Kylian Mbappe.

Los Blancos kick off their La Liga campaign this weekend with a trip to Mallorca.

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