Arsenal could save millions if they wrap up a deal for Vinicius Jr sooner rather than later.
Vinicius Junior #7 of Brazil celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Scotland and Brazil at Miami Stadium on June 24, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida
Vinicius Jr has been linked with a move to Arsenal(Image: Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
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Arsenal need to do whatever it takes to sign Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid before the transfer window slams shut at the start of September; there's no better time to wrap up a deal.
The 26-year-old winger has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his frontline. football.london understands that the Gunners are interested in signing Vinicius Jr, whose contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expires next year.
The Brazil international would prefer to extend his stay in the Spanish capital, but Los Blancos' unwillingness so far to find a middle ground in negotiations over a new deal has begun to shift sentiment. Arsenal higher-ups are said to be closely monitoring the situation and are ready to strike if Vinicius Jr decides not to renew his contract.
As it stands, the Brazilian is yet to make a decision on his future, leaving the door open for Andrea Berta to potentially wrap up a deal. Meanwhile, football.london understands that Real Madrid, barring a change of heart, do not currently plan to shift their position in talks with Vinicius Jr over a renewal.
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From January, clubs outside of Spain, like the Gunners, will be eligible to open pre-contract talks with the winger over a free transfer in the summer of 2027. Unless the player suddenly decides to extend his stay at the Santiago Bernabeu, Los Blancos will be forced to make a difficult call.
Florentino Perez and Jose Mourinho will have to consider whether they would rather risk losing Vinicius Jr for free at the end of the season or cut their losses and cash in before it's too late. The Brazilian could, in essence, be available for a lower price in the winter transfer window, with only a few months left on his deal.
But, come January, with the business end of the campaign on the horizon, there's always the risk that Real Madrid officials value his contributions on the pitch greater than money in the bank.
Arsenal are interested in Vinicius Jr.
Arsenal are interested in Vinicius Jr.(Image: ISI Photos via Getty Images)
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Not to mention that if Los Blancos manage to fend off interest from potential suitors in the winter, there's always a possibility that they persuade Vinicius Jr to extend his contract before the transfer window reopens in the summer.
So, Berta needs to strike while the iron is hot; there's no better time to secure the Brazilian's signature. According to Transfermarkt, Vinicius Jr's market value currently stands at €140m (£120m), which is the lowest it's been since June 2023.
It spiked from €120m (£103m) shortly after Real Madrid won the Copa Del Rey, and the Brazilian had been awarded the iconic number seven shirt ahead of the 2023/24 season. Although Arsenal would still need to break the bank to secure his signature, it would still be a bargain in many ways; Berta would be saving tens of millions.
Vinicius Junior #7 of Brazil reacts after a missed chance during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Brazil and Japan at Houston Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Houston, Texas
Vinicius Jr has been linked with a move to Arsenal(Image: Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
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Ultimately, the Gunners can't afford to risk his market value soaring any higher. As one of the best players in the world, and having been priced at €200m (£171m) not too long ago, Vinicius Jr has the capability to rebuild his value over the night.
If he were to stay in the Spanish capital, one world-class performance against a top team in the Champions League would be enough to give Los Blancos the leverage they need to get the best possible offer from Arsenal.
Equally, of course, in such a scenario, Vinicius Jr would have just as strong a hand in negotiations with Real Madrid and the Gunners, having proved his worth at the very highest level. Nevertheless, it would be in Arsenal's best interest to wrap up a deal sooner rather than later...