Arsenal have been fancied to sign Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior in a surprise transfer amid his contract standoff at the La Liga club.
The Brazil international is one of the best players in world football, and he has dazzled at the World Cup, scoring four goals in as many games.
Vinicius’ current contract with Madrid expires in the summer of 2027, and El Debate claim that he has not received an improved offer since last year.
Madrid have reportedly offered a net salary of £19m per season, but Vinicius is asking for a signing-on bonus to raise that figure to around £23m.
Amidst this, his agency, Roc Nation Sports, have urged him to decline a contract renewal and pursue a summer transfer to secure a bigger bonus.
Madrid will be inclined to sell him if they can’t renew beyond June 2027.
It is claimed that Los Blancos could accept £77m for his potential transfer. The winger would receive £12-17m from the move (percentage share).
Arsenal are mentioned as one of the European clubs capable of signing him this summer.
Vinicius would be a better signing than Barcola
The 25-year-old has been a revelation for Los Blancos over the years. He had another stupendous season with Madrid, scoring 22 goals and providing 14 assists.
Vinicius, who can play upfront or on the left wing, also worked hard off the ball. He won an impressive six duels per game. He averaged almost 2.5 dribbles.
The Flamengo graduate is a world-class star and would instantly become the best player on the left wing in the Premier League if he were to join Arsenal, in our view.
He would be a much better acquisition than Barcola, who managed only 20 goal involvements for Paris Saint-Germain last term. He won just three duels per outing with 1.1 dribbles.
Barcola is reportedly valued at a much higher fee at 23. It has been claimed that PSG could demand more than £116m, which seems extremely high for his current ability.
At £77m, it would be a no-brainer decision to land Vinicius, though his salary demands could prevent the Gunners from pursuing a deal in the ongoing transfer window.
He is eyeing a staggering £441,000 per week as a net salary. This would mean a gross salary of £800,000 per week or more, which would be well beyond Arsenal’s affordability range.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com