Arsenal’s hopes of landing Vinicius Junior have received another potential boost after reports claimed influential figures within Real Madrid would now support selling the Brazilian this summer if a new contract cannot be agreed.
The future of the 26-year-old remains one of the biggest storylines of the transfer window, with negotiations over an extension still unresolved despite months of discussions.
Vinicius’ current contract expires in June 2027, leaving Madrid with a major decision to make if fresh terms are not agreed in the coming weeks.
According to The Athletic, a crucial meeting between the player’s representatives and Real Madrid is scheduled to take place this week as both sides attempt to break the deadlock.
The report adds that several senior figures inside the Spanish giants now favour a sale during the current transfer window if negotiations collapse, rather than risk losing one of the world’s biggest stars for nothing when his contract expires.
The main obstacle remains the structure of Vinicius’ proposed new deal.
The Brazil international had initially sought a package worth close to €30 million (£26m) per year, including salary, performance bonuses and a renewal bonus.
Real Madrid have consistently resisted including a renewal bonus, fearing it would create an unwanted precedent for future contract negotiations with other senior players.
However, The Athletic reports that Vinicius has become more willing to reduce his financial demands in an effort to reach an agreement and remain at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Arsenal have been closely following developments throughout the saga.
The Gunners are understood to have explored the conditions of a potential deal, with Mikel Arteta viewing Vinicius as a transformational addition capable of taking the Premier League champions to another level.
While no agreement has been reached and Madrid continue to prioritise a renewal, Arsenal are believed to be ready to move should negotiations ultimately fail.
The situation has become even more significant following Arsenal’s decision to cool their interest in other high-profile left-wing targets, including Bradley Barcola, while continuing to assess opportunities at the elite end of the market.
Vinicius returned to pre-season training this week after his extended summer break and has already begun working under new Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho is understood to value the Brazilian highly and wants him to remain part of his plans, although the final decision will rest with club president Florentino Perez and Madrid’s hierarchy.
For now, Real Madrid’s priority remains agreeing a new contract, but with internal support growing for a sale if talks fail, Arsenal will continue watching events in Spain with considerable interest.