Vinicius Junior celebrating after scoring against Mallorca
Arsenal are said to be willing to make 'an exception' to sign Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr this summer. The Gunners are hoping to kick on with their summer transfer business over the coming weeks, having been quiet when it comes to significant dealings so far.
Mikel Arteta is hoping to land Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes to tick a big box in midfield, with a new number 8 one of two clear transfer priorities this summer. Arsenal are said to be chasing a deal worth around £70million, while the deal could be worth up to £80million when all is said and done.
Arsenal are in need of clear upgrades in midfield and on the left side of their attack, and they know those players are going to cost them big money, with the winger signing likely to take up the lion's share of this summer's spending.
Arsenal now willing to make salary 'exception' to sign Vinicius Jr
Vinicius Jr
Arsenal have been working behind the scenes for 'months' in a bid to set up a deal to sign Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. Vinicius is currently in a contract standoff with Real Madrid, with his current deal set to expire after the coming campaign.
The Athletic have released a detailed report on the situation after investigating the situation, and they claim Vinicius is demanding close to €30million per season, inclusive of bonuses, while Real Madrid are offering €20million, which has been rejected, and talks are ongoing.
It's claimed Vinicius is asking for a contract renewal bonus, which is something Real Madrid have never paid before. The winger's representatives reportedly claim the bonus is the only way to make up the salary difference due to Real Madrid not wanting to go further above the LaLiga salary cap.
Talks are ongoing, but according to the David Ornstein report, Arsenal are going 'all in' to make sure Vinicius has the option of joining them, should he not sign a new deal at the Bernabeu. In fact, the Gunners are willing to make an 'exception' to their salary structure, even wiling to discuss image rights and a giant signing fee. The Brazilian would be by far the club's highest-paid player should he sign.
Decision time looming for Vinicius Jr
Danilo Fernandez / Fotoarena/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect
With the new season just around the corner, Vinicus is going to have to make up his mind soon, especially with Real Madrid contract talks progressing so slowly, if at all. He now has the choice of signing a new deal with Real Madrid's best offer, joining Arsenal, which is said to be an appealing option to him, or playing out the final years of his contract.
In the latter circumstance, Vinicius would be able to leave Real Madrid for free next summer and likely command a giant new contract elsewhere, or there is always the possibility that Los Blancos make an improved offer between now and then. Vinicius is happy at Real Madrid in general, but as one of the best players in the world, he wants to maximise his financial potential.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are doing all they can to be the next best option should he leave the Bernabeu, and according to the report, sources close to Arteta say the Gunners boss is a huge fan of the Brazilian.
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal) and Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth)
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal) and Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth)