Vinicius Junior in action for Real Madrid against Bayern Munich
Vinicius Junior in action for Real Madrid against Bayern Munich (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
Arsenal reportedly believe they’re in a “very good position” to sign Vinicius Junior if he doesn’t agree a new contract with Real Madrid.
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The Brazil international is one of the biggest names in world football and would be a hugely exciting addition to this Arsenal attack.
If the Gunners had any weaknesses last season when they won the Premier League title and reached the Champions League final, it was a player lacking that spark and X factor in the final third.
Vini Jr would be perfect to take Arsenal to the next level, and there’s now been an intriguing update from journalist Mario Cortegana.
Arsenal in strong position for Vinicius Junior
Speaking on YouTube, Cortegana cited his colleagues’ report in the Athletic about Arsenal exploring Vinicius’ situation, and added one intriguing line.
As well as echoing the previous reports on AFC agreeing that they can afford the finances of this ambitious deal, it seems there’s also confidence inside the Emirates Stadium about being the club that can pounce if he decides not to renew at the Bernabeu.
“As revealed in The Athletic and by James McNicholas, a colleague who covers Arsenal, Arsenal is very focused on the Vinicius deal,” Cortegana said.
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“He’s Arsenal’s top priority. Well, they believe it’s possible. There’s approval from top to bottom at all levels of the club that the operation can be done.
“Number-wise, and we’ll try to give you more details later this week, it works out for Arsenal, and there’s just one very important thing missing, obviously, which is that Vinicius doesn’t renew with Real Madrid. Arsenal have been eyeing this operation, having held a series of talks, and they believe they’re in a very good position if Real Madrid doesn’t manage to renew Vinicius’ contract.
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“So, that’s how things stand. We’ll have to see how the talks between Real Madrid and Vinicius and his representatives progress, or how and when they might happen. By the way, the same representatives I mentioned. Let’s see how these negotiations intertwine and what the outcome will be, and whether or not Arsenal will ultimately sign him.
“But let’s be clear, Arsenal’s interest is very real, very concrete, and the situation is still open.”
Vinicius Junior to Arsenal – is it worth the gamble?
See below for Arsenal’s highest earners at the moment, via Spotrac.
Player Annual salary
Bukayo Saka £15.6m
Kai Havertz £14.5m
Gabriel Jesus £13.7m
William Saliba £13m
Declan Rice £12.4m
Martin Odegaard £12.4m
Viktor Gyokeres £10.4m
This shows just how much the Arsenal dressing room could be unsettled by the arrival of Vinicius, who would likely be the club’s highest earner by far.
According to a previous report from Sky Sports, Vinicius has been demanding as much as €30m (£25.6m) a year if he signs a new Real Madrid contract, which is double what he currently earns.
Arsenal seem confident they could make this work, but it would be a major change of direction and fans will just have to hope it doesn’t backfire if this deal does eventually go through.