Arsenal have been handed fresh encouragement in their pursuit of Vinicius Junior. A new report from Brazil claims Real Madrid are now willing to consider selling the forward if he refuses to sign a new contract.
According to ESPN Brazil, the Spanish giants have accepted that a sale could become the best outcome. This will happen if there is no breakthrough over their ultimatum.
With Vinicius Junior now into the final year of his deal, Real Madrid are reluctant to risk seeing one of their biggest stars walk away. In addition, they could lose him for nothing in 2027.
Real Madrid waiting for Vinicius Junior’s decision
Vinicius Junior returns to pre-season on Monday after his post-World Cup break. However, there is still no meeting scheduled between Real Madrid and his representatives.
ESPN Brazil explain the club believe they have already made their best contract offer and have no plans to improve it. As far as Real Madrid are concerned, the ball is now in the player’s court.
If he decides those terms are not enough, the club are prepared to discuss a transfer this summer. This would occur instead of allowing the situation to drift closer to his contract expiring.
The stand-off has been building for a while too. ESPN previously reported there would be no real movement before the World Cup. This was because Vinicius Junior’s camp were happy to wait before making a decision.
Spanish report hypes Gunners effort
Arsenal fans are also receiving positive news on this pursuit from Spain.
AS, and specifically their editor Jose Felix Diaz, are pushing the Premier League club’s interest. According to a Monday report, Arsenal ‘are going all out’ for the player.
Vinicius has been made aware that he would be the centre of Mikel Arteta’s project. That could be tempting given there’s clearly frustrations about not being the main man at Real Madrid.
Arsenal have every reason to stay keen
Arsenal still believe they would be in a strong position if Vinicius Junior decided his future lies away from Madrid. However, sources close to the Brazil international continue to deny there has been any direct contact with the Premier League champions.
As Sport Witness covered earlier this week, there is a scenario in which Arsenal have started laying the foundations for a move next year rather than expecting to complete a deal immediately. That approach would become even more relevant if the contract saga continues.
ESPN Brazil also add there is frustration behind the scenes. Vinicius Junior was left unhappy at times during the last season, including his angry reaction after being substituted in El Clasico. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have now gone two years without lifting a major trophy.
None of that means a move is around the corner. It does, however, leave Arsenal with a situation worth following.
As long as Vinicius Junior’s contract remains unsigned and Real Madrid refuse to improve their offer, the possibility of a transfer is unlikely to disappear.
Sportwitness
Football transfer news from the across the world.