Vinicius Jr will be forced into a change should he join Arsenal from Real Madrid in the summer transfer window
Vinicius Jr during a Brazil game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Vinicius Jr is of interest to Arsenal this summer(Image: Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Vinicius Jr would be denied his dream number at Arsenal if the Gunners were to clinch an extraordinary deal for the Real Madrid superstar. The 26-year-old emerged as a target for the Premier League side this past weekend.
The Brazilian has spent eight years with the La Liga giants and with just 12 months left on his contract, rumours have circulated on whether his time at Madrid will come to an end. According to Diario AS, Vinicius hopes to continue at Madrid and optimism remains that a contract extension can be reached.
However, if the winger does make the move to north London, he'll have to do without his favoured No. 7, having worn the number for the last three seasons in Spain. The jersey is currently occupied by Bukayo Saka, with Vinicius having to look elsewhere.
Prior to receiving the storied jersey in 2023 upon the departure of Eden Hazard, the Brazilian had worn the No. 20 for three years, which is also unavailable at the Emirates Stadium, with Noni Madueke sporting the number.
Vinicius could revert back to the first two numbers he wore at Madrid - No. 28 and No. 25. Both jerseys are available in Mikel Arteta's squad, as well as No. 15 and No. 19 - the latter being vacated by Leandro Trossard's move to Besiktas.
While Vinicius won't be able to continue sporting No. 7 on the club stage if a move to Arsenal materialises, he will be able to call himself the most paid player in the club's history, according to reports.
The Telegraph states that his staggering salary of £400,000 per week wouldn't stop the deal from happening. It further claims that club executives would aim to improve his wages to further convince the Brazilian to sign.
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrates
Vinicius Jr has 12 months left on his contract at Real Madrid(Image: Photo by Alex Pantling - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
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Vinicius' potential wages would easily usurp those of Arsenal's current highest-paid player, Saka. The England star inked a £365,000-a-week contract in February, which is set to rise each season.
The Brazil international is coming off his second-best goalscoring season in La Liga, with 16 goals scored. But he failed to win a major honour for a second season in a row at Madrid.
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