Arsenal’s hopes of pulling off a sensational move for Vinicius Junior could hinge on whether the Brazilian can reach an agreement with Real Madrid over a new contract.
The 26-year-old has yet to report back for pre-season training as negotiations over an extension continue, with his current deal due to expire at the end of the season.
According to the Daily Mail, Vinicius has remained away from Real Madrid while his representatives continue discussions with the club over fresh terms.
The report adds that Real Madrid’s position is clear.
The Spanish giants are unwilling to improve their latest offer and believe the winger will have to reduce his salary demands if he wants to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Vinicius is reportedly seeking parity with Kylian Mbappe as one of the club’s highest earners, but Real Madrid are not prepared to meet those demands.
That has left negotiations at a standstill despite the club’s desire to keep one of their biggest stars.
The latest development follows earlier reports that Real Madrid planned to resume talks with Vinicius’ representatives in the hope of reaching an agreement.
However, those discussions have yet to produce a breakthrough, leaving uncertainty over the Brazil international’s long-term future.
Jose Mourinho is understood to want Vinicius to remain at the club and views him as a cornerstone of his rebuilding project alongside Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.
Real Madrid have nevertheless maintained a firm stance throughout the negotiations and are unwilling to alter their wage structure to secure an agreement.
The club have also continued strengthening their attacking options, with a deal for Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande progressing independently of Vinicius’ contract situation.
For Arsenal, the ongoing impasse is another development worth watching.
The Gunners are known to admire Vinicius and have been linked with the winger in recent weeks as Mikel Arteta continues to assess opportunities to strengthen his attack.
A player of Vinicius’ calibre would represent one of the biggest signings in Arsenal’s history, but any move remains highly complicated.
Real Madrid have not indicated they are actively looking to sell, and no club-to-club talks have been reported.
Even if negotiations over a new contract ultimately collapse, Arsenal would still face fierce competition and a financial package unlike almost any deal in the club’s history.
For now, the situation remains unresolved.
With Vinicius still away from training and Real Madrid refusing to budge on their salary offer, Arsenal will continue to monitor one of the summer’s most intriguing contract sagas while waiting to see whether a genuine opportunity eventually emerges.