via Reuters
Arsenal have reportedly been in contact with Vinicius Junior's entourage as they continue to plot a sensational move for the Real Madrid star.
The Gunners have been exploring a potential deal for the Brazilian, whose future at the Estadio Bernabeu is uncertain. He has a year left on his contract, which has made this summer hugely important for the player and the La Liga club.
Vinicius is believed to have told close confidants that he doesn't want to leave Los Blancos for free next year. He wants the Spanish giants to receive money for him if he is to depart, given he's been with the club since the age of 16.
Arsenal Make Contact With Vinicius Camp
Kim Price/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA via Reuters
Arsenal are in the market for a new winger and have approved a move for Vinicius at all levels internally. The Brazilian is one of world football's superstars and would be quite possibly the biggest signing in Premier League history.
The English champions aren't just dreaming of Vinicius but are taking concrete steps to try to sign him. Reliable club insider HandofArsenal on X has delved into the current situation and revealed that the club have spoken to the player's camp.
Vinicius' representatives have been made aware that if contract talks with Madrid fail, the Gunners are "ready financially to put in a serious offer." His trusted circle have "proactively explored potential future destinations" using sports analytics firms and data-driven football experts.
Arsenal is said to feature "prominently in those projections" as a "highly compatible destination." There has been talk of other clubs pouncing for the Brazilian if a Bernabeu departure is on the cards, including Liverpool, who likewise are eyeing a new winger.
Vinicius, dubbed "one of the best players in the world", seems keen to stay with Los Blancos, but if there's no resolution in his contract saga, a switch to the Emirates is a real possibility. He would link up with several compatriots, including Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli, although the latter's future could be plunged into doubt if his Brazil teammate were to arrive.
A Vinicius Alternative Needs to Be Lined Up
Annegret Hilse via Reuters
Arsenal clearly feel they are in a strong position to sign Vinicius if he heads for the exit door but they can't afford to waste time on a potential deal. It does feel as though both he and Madrid want to continue together, so Arteta's transfer chiefs need to ensure they are still assessing other options in the background.
One of them could be Athletic Club's Nico Williams, who has reportedly re-emerged as a possible option following the club's failure to sign Morgan Rogers. It's believed that the Spaniard could depart the Basque club this summer despite signing a new contract in July last year.
Mikel Arteta Arsenal 2026
Mikel Arteta Arsenal 2026
The Gunners' interest in Williams is well-documented, and Arteta in particular is said to be a fan of the Spaniard. While he hasn't produced the numbers that Vinicius has, he fits the profile of what the North Londoners need: an explosive winger not afraid to take his man on.