Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid and Brazil player
Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Vinicius Jr. has had a whirlwind of a week so far. After initial reports suggested that he will remain at Real Madrid, the forward has now once again staring at the possibility of leaving Santiago Bernabeu this summer.
Arsenal are the club to have registered the most concrete interest in the Brazilian international, as Mikel Arteta looks to shore up his options upfront.
The Gunners have taken some giant strides in their pursuit of Vinicius and the coming week could prove to be crucial.
Vinicius Jr. and Erling Haaland
Vinicius’ days could be numbered at Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
A recent report from Diario AS has offered a key update on the future of Vinicius, confirming that the forward has returned to Real Madrid after an extended World Cup break.
The forward is now set for a crunch meeting with Real Madrid regarding his future. His first priority is to meet new coach Jose Mourinho.
After talks with Mourinho, Real Madrid are expected to try and convince the forward to sign a new contract at the club, but not any price.
It has been established previously that Los Blancos are not keen on meeting Vinicius’ lofty wage demands, which is why the club have yet to reach an agreement with the player.
If that impasse continues and the player fails to sign a new contract, an exit is no longer out of the question.
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid and Brazil player
Vinicius is back at Real Madrid after the World Cup break. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Needless to say, Arsenal will be monitoring this development closely as the Premier League champions are ready to pounce on any opportunity.
If Vinicius fails to sign a contract extension, the Gunners are expected to approach the Brazilian, in an attempt to lure him to the Premier League.
Real Madrid, for their part, are still in talks with RB Leipzig over Yan Diomande, although the two parties are yet to reach a final agreement.
Diomande is seen as a direct replacement for Vinicius, although coach Mourinho is not averse to having both the wingers as part of his setup next season.
Aymeric Laporte, Spain defender
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid rebuild has been largely defined by aggressive spending this summer, and the Portuguese is not done yet, with another centre-back firmly on his agenda.
Among the names to have been floated is Aymeric Laporte, fresh off a commanding World Cup campaign with Spain.
But a move for the veteran looks anything but simple.
Aymeric Laporte, Spain defender
Laporte has had a brilliant World Cup campaign. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
According to Diario AS, Athletic Club have no desire to offload the star defender for cheap, valuing Laporte at his €80 million release clause and refusing to entertain anything less.
Interestingly, the concrete interest so far has come from Barcelona rather than Real Madrid, with Deco having enquired directly.
Los Blancos, meanwhile, have been mentioned only as admirers, with no formal approach made. Athletic’s response to Barcelona was emphatic, and there is little reason to think Real Madrid would receive a different answer.
Laporte’s performances in Spain’s triumph have driven his value up considerably. His understanding with Pau Cubarsi anchored the meanest defence in World Cup history, and at 32, he still has two years left on the deal he signed upon returning to San Mames last summer.
Aymeric Laporte, Spain defender
Laporte’s age-profile does not suit Real Madrid. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
From Real Madrid’s perspective, the case against a move is a compelling one.
Having already reshaped their backline with the arrivals of Ibrahima Konate, Marc Cucurella and Denzel Dumfries, the squad is far from short of defensive bodies.
Mourinho may want one more centre-back, but sanctioning €80 million for a player the wrong side of 30 sits awkwardly with the profile of signings the club has otherwise pursued this window, most of whom are in their prime or younger.
Negotiating with Athletic is another task, for any club in Europe. The Basque outfit are notoriously stubborn in the market, rarely selling below clause value, which makes any deal both costly and drawn-out.
Not to mention, Real Madrid have already turned down this exact opportunity once earlier this summer, largely due to his age profile. It is unlikely Los Blancos would like to revisit their interest.