Arsenal are said to be considering a surprise move for Vinicius Junior.
15:24, Sat, Jul 25, 2026 Updated: 15:24, Sat, Jul 25, 2026
Vinicius Junior has been linked with a blockbuster move to Arsenal
Vinicius Junior has been linked with a blockbuster move to Arsenal (Image: Getty)
Vinicius Junior has already hinted that he would prefer to stay at Real Madrid rather than join Arsenal this summer. The winger has reportedly emerged as a target for the newly-crowned Premier League champions, who are seeking the addition of a new left-sided attacker.
It's claimed that Arsenal have already 'approved' a potential swoop for Vinicius, who has just entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Bernabeu. He is yet to agree fresh terms, meaning the Spanish giants face a dilemma over whether to cash in or risk losing him for nothing in a year's time.
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Real Madrid will be desperate to avoid this scenario, given that Vinicius is widely considered one of the world's best players.
It seems the 26-year-old would also prefer to stay in the Spanish capital, having admitted earlier this year that he would be happy to see out the rest of his career there.
He told Mundo Deportivo: "I’m not in a hurry to renew my contract. I’m tied to the club until 2027, so between now and 2027, there’s still a lot for Madrid and me to discuss.
"Madrid are calm, I’m calm. The president trusts me and I trust him. That’s all there is to it. We just have to wait, live each day and each moment, and enjoy being at the best club in the world.
"I’ve never imagined myself away from Real Madrid. I enjoy every moment I spend here because this is my dream club. I always dreamed of playing here and being able to stay for so long.
The winger only has 12 months remaining on his current contract
The winger only has 12 months remaining on his current contract (Image: Getty)
"Now I’m one of the captains of the team. Even at such a young age, that’s something very special that doesn’t happen often in football history.
"So I enjoy every moment. I want to stay here for the rest of my life, but I’m still not in a hurry to renew my contract."
Vinicius impressed during the World Cup, scoring four goals in five games before Brazil were dumped out by Norway in the round of 16.
Last season, he registered 22 goals in all competitions for Real Madrid despite the club failing to win any trophies for the second year in a row.