File photo dated 10/12/2025 of Vinicius Junior. Benfica have failed in an appeal against a provisional suspension imposed by UEFA on their player Gianluca Prestianni amid allegations he racially abused Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior. Issue date: Wednesday February 25, 2026.
File photo dated 10/12/2025 of Vinicius Junior. Benfica have failed in an appeal against a provisional suspension imposed by UEFA on their player Gianluca Prestianni amid allegations he racially abused Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior. Issue date: Wednesday February 25, 2026.
Liverpool have had no “meaningful” discussions for Real Madrid‘s Vinicius Jr. after he was “offered” to the club by his representatives, according to the latest reports.
The Brazilian’s future has been in the headlines this week, starting with claims suggesting Liverpool “responded positively” to the prospect of a free transfer in 2027.
Now, Arsenal are exploring the possibility of a deal for the Real Madrid winger, with The Athletic‘s David Ornstein reporting the “idea has approval at all levels within Arsenal.”
There has been no bid from the Gunners, as of yet, with Vinicius Jr.’s representatives clearly drumming up interest as the 26-year-old heads into the final year of his contract.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Liverpool had the Brazilian “suggested” to them by his camp, but there was “no engagement or meaningful discussion from the club.”
DOHA, QATAR - Thursday, November 24, 2022: Brazil's Vinicius Junior during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group G match between Brazil and Serbia at the Lusail Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
DOHA, QATAR - Thursday, November 24, 2022: Brazil's Vinicius Junior during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group G match between Brazil and Serbia at the Lusail Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The Reds “opted against pursuing the transfer” and are instead described as “focused on strengthening the right wing,” which saw them rejected by Leipzig’s Yan Diomande before exploring a move for PSG’s Bradley Barcola.
Jacobs’ update does somewhat validate the wild claims that emerged on Friday, however, with Liverpool contacted to gauge their interest in the winger.
Considering Vinicius Jr.’s wage demands, reported to be in excess of €380,000 per week (£320,000), and the transfer fee Real Madrid would demand, a deal would be financially prohibitive this summer.
A free transfer would also prove expensive if a new contract was not signed at the Bernabeu, but that chance to sign an elite attacker would certainly be opportunistic.
It could just be Vinicius Jr.’s camp attempting to force Real Madrid‘s hand in their extension talks, but Arsenal, at the very least, look ready to test the Spanish club’s resolve.
As for the Reds, they have currently only added Victor Munoz to an attack that lost Mo Salah this summer and remained without a replacement for Luis Diaz last year.
Andoni Iraola has already vocalised the need for a winger, with Liverpool maintaining an interest in Barcola. However, any pursuit could now be complicated if Real Madrid sign Diomande.
Collage 3 diagonal (13)
Collage 3 diagonal (13)
Football – FA Premier League – Arsenal FC v Newcastle United FC
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 24, 2024: Newcastle United's goalkeeper Loris Karius during the FA Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United FC at the Emirates Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool USA Tour Day 4
CHICAGO, USA - Thursday, July 23, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet departs the team hotel in Chicago on day four of the club's pre-season tour of America. The team play friendly games in Nashville, New York and Chicago as they prepare for the start of the new 2026/27 Premier League season. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)