Arsenal are reportedly exploring a potential deal to sign Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid. The Brazil international, who is 26 years old, has one year remaining on his contract with the Spanish club. This interest comes as Arsenal, the reigning Premier League champions, seek to strengthen their attacking options, particularly on the left wing.
While there has been no direct club-to-club contact at this stage, reports indicate that Arsenal‘s interest in the player is genuine. Vinicius Junior is one of several forwards the club is considering, with Julián Álvarez of Atlético Madrid, Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, and Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain also on their radar.
Contract situation and potential move
Vinicius Junior’s contract situation at Real Madrid is a key factor in Arsenal‘s exploration. With only one year left on his current deal, Real Madrid could be open to selling the player rather than risking losing him for free next summer if a new agreement cannot be reached. Negotiations for a contract renewal have reportedly not yet resulted in a breakthrough.
The player’s future at Real Madrid has also been a subject of discussion following José Mourinho‘s return to the club. Mourinho, who has 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. Prestianni was subsequently banned for six matches after admitting to using homophobic language.
However, it is understood that Vinicius Junior and Mourinho have been in contact since that incident and were prepared to start the new campaign together with a fresh understanding. Despite this, Real Madrid may still consider cashing in on the player due to his contract status.
Arsenal’s transfer activity and other targets
Arsenal have been active in the transfer market, recently signing Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34m. This move followed the sale of Leandro Trossard to Besiktas for £17m earlier in the summer. The club’s focus on strengthening their left-wing options is evident, especially given that Gabriel Martinelli, an alternative in that position, scored only one Premier League goal last season.
Beyond Vinicius Junior, Arsenal are also reportedly interested in Bruno Guimarães. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe commented on Guimarães‘s future after a pre-season draw, stating, “We don’t want to lose our best players. I’ve spoken to him [Guimarães] as I would do. Bruno is just a fantastic person. We’ve had some really good conversations, both before the World Cup, during the World Cup and after the World Cup.” Howe added, “I don’t know what’s going to happen with Bruno’s future. That’s for other people to speculate about.”
Vinicius Junior scored 22 goals for Real Madrid last season across all competitions. He also scored four goals for Brazil at the World Cup.
Wage demands and market considerations
The financial aspects of a potential transfer for Vinicius Junior are also being discussed. According to one Spanish football expert, Vinicius Junior currently earns 15m Euros a year net at Real Madrid. The club has reportedly offered him 20m Euros, but the player is seeking 30m Euros, which equates to just over 550,000 Euros a week net. This contract situation has reportedly been ongoing for 18 months.
The expert suggested that matching such figures could be challenging for Arsenal or any other Premier League club. Real Madrid are reportedly considering Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig as a potential replacement if an agreement with Vinicius Junior cannot be reached.
Vinicius Junior joined Madrid in 2018 from Flamengo.
Source: theguardian.com
Niamh Pendlebury is the Sports Reporter at NewsGB.org, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB and the county circuit. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Central Lancashire and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Preston, she plays club tennis and follows road running. “The best interviews come from patience, not pressure.”