Arsenal explore deal for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior as contract talks stall
Arsenal are reportedly exploring a potential deal to sign Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid. The Brazil international, who is 26, has entered the final year of his contract with the Spanish club, and negotiations for a new deal have not yet reached a breakthrough.
The interest from the Premier League champions is understood to be in its early stages, with no direct club-to-club contact having occurred at this point. However, reports suggest that the idea has received approval within Arsenal at various levels.
Vinicius Junior’s contract situation and Real Madrid’s stance
Vinicius Junior‘s future at Real Madrid has become uncertain, particularly following the return of José Mourinho to the club. With his contract set to expire in a year, Real Madrid could consider selling the player rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next summer. The club would also aim to avoid losing him for free, as he would be due a significant loyalty bonus in the upcoming season.
According to reports, Vinicius Junior is currently earning 15m Euros net per year, while Real Madrid has offered a new deal worth 20m Euros. However, the player is reportedly seeking 30m Euros, which equates to just over 550,000 Euros per week net. This contract situation has reportedly been ongoing for 18 months, with neither side showing signs of budging.
Mourinho, who signed a three-year deal at the Bernabéu, had previously made comments regarding Vinicius Junior after an incident where the player accused Benfica‘s Gianluca Prestianni of racial abuse during a Champions League tie. Mourinho, then Benfica manager, stated that “something happens, always” in matches involving Vinicius Junior. Prestianni was subsequently banned for six matches after admitting to using homophobic language. Despite this, it is understood that Vinicius Junior and Mourinho have been in contact and are prepared to start the new campaign together with a clean slate.
Arsenal’s attacking targets and recent signings
Arsenal are looking to strengthen their left-wing attacking options this summer, and Vinicius Junior is considered one of the top players in that position. He was the 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up and scored 22 goals for Real Madrid last season across all competitions. He also scored four goals for Brazil at the World Cup, where he played in all five of their games before their elimination in the round of 16.
In addition to Vinicius Junior, Arsenal‘s radar includes other attacking players such as Julián Álvarez of Atlético Madrid, Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, and Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain. Real Madrid is reportedly considering Yan Diomande as a potential replacement for Vinicius Junior.
Arsenal has already made several additions to their squad this transfer window. They recently signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34m. This follows the permanent transfer of Piero Hincapié and the arrival of goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who was out of contract at Leeds. Earlier this summer, Arsenal sold Leandro Trossard to Besiktas for £17m. The club also had an interest in Morgan Rogers, but were reportedly unwilling to pay more than £80m for the player, who subsequently joined Chelsea in a £117m deal.
There is also speculation surrounding Bruno Guimarães, with Arsenal reportedly keen on signing the Brazil international. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe commented on Guimarães‘s future after a pre-season draw, stating that he does not want to lose key players.
Vinicius Junior made 375 total appearances for Real Madrid since joining from Flamengo in 2018, registering 128 goals and 100 assists.
Source: theguardian.com
Isla Hartley is a Sports Reporter at NewsUK. She covered the British summer of sport from Wimbledon to the Test grounds. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sports Studies from the University of Stirling and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Glasgow, she runs half-marathons and follows Scottish athletics. “The overlooked athlete usually has the better story.”
