Vinicius Junior wants his Real Madrid future settled this summer, with the Brazilian keen to avoid any prospect of leaving the Bernabeu on a free transfer when his contract expires in 2027.
Arsenal have been alerted to the situation as they look to add a genuine world-class forward to their ranks, with reports suggesting the move has been sanctioned "at all levels" of the Emirates hierarchy and that Mikel Arteta is fully behind the idea of bringing the 26-year-old to north London.
Newly appointed Los Blancos boss Jose Mourinho is understood to be firmly against losing his star forward, and Vinicius himself is said to have prioritised thrashing out fresh terms, rather than testing the market.
The Gunners remain undeterred, though, and are reportedly prepared to offer wages that could exceed 350,000-a-week, a package that would make him the best-paid player at the club, and second only to Erling Haaland in the entire Premier League.
What Vinicius Junior Has Told His Friends
Vinicius Junior celebrating after scoring against Mallorca
Fresh contract talks are expected once Vinicius returns from an extended break following the World Cup, with both parties keen to find a resolution quickly.
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According to AS editor-in-chief Tomas Roncero, the forward's stance is rooted in a sense of debt to the club that signed him as an 18-year-old from Flamengo. Speaking on Cadena SER's El Larguero programme, Roncero said Vinicius had been telling those in his inner circle:
"I can’t leave Madrid for free because Madrid took me in when I was 18, from a humble family, with a difficult social and personal situation, and they believed in me."
Roncero was careful to stress this was secondhand, adding: "I'm saying what he's telling his friends."
He added: "They paid €45m euros when it was just a gamble, a promise, nothing more. Madrid has given me everything, I can't leave without leaving a single euro in the bank."
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Roncero stopped short of speaking for Vinicius's representatives, noting:
"Maybe his agents are more calculating when it comes to negotiations. But that's what Vinicius is saying, that he can't leave Madrid for free."
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His comments are looking more prophetic than ever amid growing links with a summer transfer.
Since arriving from Flamengo in 2017, Vini has racked up 128 goals and 100 assists in 375 appearances, helping Madrid to 14 trophies, including three La Liga titles and two Champions League triumphs.
Arsenal have already been busy reinforcing their forward line this summer, signing Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for around £34m, while also bringing in goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free and completing a £35m permanent deal for Piero Hincapie.
Significant Blow For Arsenal in Vinicius Jr Race
Mikel Arteta
According to Sky Sports News, Real Madrid are now 'confident he will sign that new deal', with further talks expected later this week. Vinicius has so far failed to return to training after his post-World Cup holidays.
Dharmesh Sheth suggested the Gunners will already be prepared with alternative targets: "Arsenal will continue to keep an eye on Vinicius Jr’s situation still. He hasn’t signed that new contract yet. As it stands, he has a year left on his contract. That’s why they are exploring the conditions of a possible deal.
"How Andrea Berta does his business at Arsenal is very clear. It’s not about one target and then the risk of that target not coming. They try to get their ducks in a row with three or four deals."