Arsenal push for Vinicius Jr as Real Madrid future hangs in balance
The Gunners are growing confident of landing the Brazilian forward in a deal that would shatter their transfer record.
Arsenal are preparing a £128m move for Vinicius Jr as the winger's future at Real Madrid reaches a decisive point this week. The 26-year-old Brazilian is due to hold fresh talks with the Spanish club's hierarchy today, and sources close to the negotiations say the uncertainty will be resolved one way or another by Friday.
Vinicius, who joined Los Blancos from Brazil in 2018, has won three LaLiga titles and two Champions League trophies in Madrid. Yet contract discussions that began more than a year ago have stalled, with the player reportedly seeking a significant increase on his current £300,000-a-week deal. Arsenal are said to be ready to offer a salary of £25m per year, well above the £15m he earns in the Spanish capital.
Stalled talks open the door
Vinicius has not submitted a formal transfer request and returned this week to pre-season training at Real Madrid's Valdebebas complex ahead of the LaLiga opener away to Espanyol on 22 August. However, the impasse over a new contract has given Arsenal an opening. The Gunners, who finished as Premier League runners-up last term, have already strengthened with the permanent signing of Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen, the £34m capture of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, and the free transfer of goalkeeper Illan Meslier from Leeds United.
Departures have also reshaped the squad. Leandro Trossard, Karl Hein and Jakub Kiwior have moved to Besiktas, Werder Bremen and Porto respectively, clearing wage budget and squad space for a marquee arrival.
Racism shadow and managerial backdrop
Vinicius's time in Spain has been marred by repeated racist abuse from opposition fans, a factor that may weigh on his decision. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will be managed this season by Jose Mourinho for a second spell, adding another layer of intrigue to the player's calculations. The Portuguese coach's return to the Bernabéu dugout could influence whether the Brazilian sees his long-term future in Madrid.
Decision imminent
With talks scheduled today and a deadline of the end of the week, the coming days will determine whether Vinicius commits to a bumper new contract in Spain or embarks on a first move outside LaLiga since his arrival. For Arsenal, landing a player of his calibre would represent the clearest signal yet that they are ready to challenge for the Champions League crown that eluded them last season.
