Details have now emerged about just how far Arsenal were prepared to go to pull off what would have been one of the biggest transfers in history.
Arsenal reportedly put together an extraordinary package in an attempt to convince Vinicius Junior to leave Real Madrid and become the new face of the Premier League.
The Gunners now look set to miss out on the Brazilian, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that Real Madrid are closing in on a new long-term contract following positive talks.
Arsenal had offered Vini Jnr one of the biggest packages in the history of the PL.
Conversations around being the face of PL, sky rocketing his brand economically and globally and a true chance at winning the Ballon d’Or. He was presented with testing himself in the best league…
— HandofArsenal (@HandofArsenal) August 6, 2026
But details have now emerged about just how far Arsenal were prepared to go to pull off what would have been one of the biggest transfers in Premier League history.
According to HandofArsenal, Vinicius was offered “one of the biggest packages in the history of the Premier League” as Arsenal attempted to lure him to the Emirates Stadium.
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And the financial package was apparently only one part of their pitch.
Arsenal are claimed to have held conversations with Vinicius and his camp about making the Brazilian the face of the Premier League, dramatically increasing his global profile and commercial value.
The 26-year-old was also reportedly presented with the opportunity to test himself in what Arsenal pitched as the best league in the world, while becoming the superstar tasked with leading Mikel Arteta’s side in another push to win the Champions League.
Perhaps most interestingly, the proposal is claimed to have included discussions around how a move to Arsenal could strengthen Vinicius’ chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.
The report claims Arsenal’s ownership, sporting director Andrea Berta and Arteta did everything they could to convince one of world football’s biggest stars to make the move.
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There was even significant confidence inside Arsenal as recently as Wednesday that their proposal could succeed due to the package on offer and conversations held with the player and his representatives.
Ultimately, however, Vinicius now appears destined to remain in Spain.
Romano reports that a verbal agreement with Real Madrid has reached the final stages, with the remaining details being discussed before the green light is given to a new long-term contract.
Jose Mourinho has also been pushing for the winger to remain at Madrid.
That represents a huge disappointment for Arsenal, but the reported details behind their pursuit demonstrate the scale of the club’s ambition.
Arsenal were not simply enquiring about Vinicius. They were reportedly prepared to hand him a historic financial package, build their attack around him and pitch him as one of the defining faces of the Premier League.
With Vinicius now expected to renew, Arsenal will assess alternative options as they look to further strengthen their attack before the transfer window closes.