via Reuters
There has been a fresh twist in the Vinicius Jr transfer situation, with the Real Madrid winger still yet to decide his future. Arsenal are going all out to try to lure one of the world's best attackers to the Emirates Stadium, conveniently having a big need on the left side of their attack.
But Vinicius is yet to decide whether he wants to stay at Real Madrid or move on, with his current contract set to expire next summer. The Brazilian is said to be demanding a giant salary, inclusive of some unique bonuses, and Real Madrid are not willing to meet those demands. Los Blancos are said to be offering €22million, but Vinicius is said to want €30million, which would present big challenges for the Bernabeu club as they look to remain in touch with the LaLiga salary rules.
Vinicius' agency tease trip to London
REUTERS/Marcelo Del Pozo
In a cryptic social media post, Michael Yormark, who is the president of RocNations, who represent Vinicius, posted on Instagram an image of flight details from Miami International Aiport to London-Heathrow. The image, which was posted to his story and captured by Diario AS, was captioned: "London here I come. Let's go."
Now, we don't know the reason for that trip, and it may have nothing to do with Vinicius' ongoing links with Arsenal, but it certainly adds another layer of intrigue to the situation. Arsenal will have held behind-the-scenes conversations with Vinicius' camp, but face-to-face talks would represent a big next step in the potential deal.
Whether that is the case remains to be seen, but Yormark will be acutely aware that his post is going to send the rumour mill into overdrive.
Arsenal willing to pay big for Vinicius
REUTERS/Paul Childs
Arsenal are said to be willing to compromise their current salary structure to sign Vinicius, with the winger going to want the same demands met even if Real Madrid do not meet them. Although the transfer fee will be another question entirely, with a £146m asking price reported should the winger not sign a new deal. In Real Madrid's defence, if Morgan Rogers costs £117million, they are well within their rights to ask for such money for a proven repeated winner and one of the world's best players, who is only 26 years of age, by the way.
Arsenal would likely want to reduce that fee, especially if they are to pay such big wages, but there isn't going to be any real progress for the Gunners until Vinicius, described as 'one of the best players in the world' by Carlo Ancelotti, decides whether he wants to stay or go.