Vinicius Junior has returned to pre-season with Real Madrid
Vinicius Junior has returned to pre-season with Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
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Real Madrid have confirmed that Vinicius Junior has reported back for pre-season training as planned, despite speculation linking him with a blockbuster summer move to Arsenal.
The Gunners have enquired about signing the Brazil international, 26, as Mikel Arteta tries to strengthen his forward line. Vinicius has less than 12 months remaining on his Real Madrid contract and there is talk that the La Liga side are prepared to let him leave if he doesn't agree to a new deal this month.
As well as that, Arsenal head coach Arteta is said to have held talks with Vinicius around a potential move to the Emirates Stadium and explained how the player would fit in should he sign for the Gunners.
But Vinicius has since returned to Real Madrid for pre-season as scheduled. Indeed, on Monday, Los Blancos posted on X to confirm that the ex-Santos man was present at Hospital Blua Sanitas Valdebebas, a hospital in Madrid, to conduct medical testing alongside new teammate Bernardo Silva and Brahim Diaz.
Soon after, Real Madrid then posted another update and this time it was Vinicius back on the grass and in first-team training at the club's Valdebebas training ground. He was pictured running in between poles and passing the ball, as new manager Jose Mourinho put his team through their paces.
Vinicius Jr in training with his Real Madrid teammates
Vinicius Jr in training with his Real Madrid teammates(Image: Getty Images)
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His return to pre-season training hasn't changed the feeling around his uncertain future, however, with a report revealing that Real Madrid have tabled a final take it or leave it contract offer.
Los Blancos have tried to renew Vinicius' deal and opened further talks with him last week, but with no progress made, they have now hit their star man with an ultimatum. They have informed his camp that the latest contract offer they submitted is final and there will be no further increase or another round of negotiations.
If Vinicius accepts, his deal will be renewed, however, if he rejects the offer, Madrid will open the door to a sale this summer to prevent the Brazilian from entering his final contract year and leaving for free in 2027.
Amid the speculation, Micheal Yormark, President of Roc Nation and Vinicius Jr's representatives, has posted on his Instagram story to reveal he is flying into London Heathrow Airport. What that could mean is unknown at this stage, but it might be a huge hint that he has coming to hold talks with Arsenal.