Arsenal’s pursuit of Vinícius Júnior
Arsenal are reportedly exploring a potential deal to sign Vinícius Júnior from Real Madrid. The Brazil international, who is 26 years old, has one year remaining on his contract at the Bernabéu. This inquiry comes as Mikel Arteta seeks a marquee signing to build upon the club’s recent Premier League title success, their first in over two decades.
The interest in Vinícius Júnior is understood to be in its early stages, with no club-to-club contact reported at this point. However, the forward is considered one of several attacking targets for Arsenal, alongside players such as Julián Álvarez of Atlético Madrid, Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, and Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain.
Last season, Vinícius Júnior scored 22 goals for Real Madrid and added four goals for Brazil during the World Cup. He was also the 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up. His potential move could significantly bolster Arsenal’s left-wing attacking options, an area the club is aiming to strengthen this summer.
Contract situation and managerial changes
The future of Vinícius Júnior at Real Madrid appears uncertain following the return of José Mourinho as manager. Mourinho has signed a three-year deal at the Bernabéu. With Vinícius Júnior entering the final year of his contract, Real Madrid could consider selling him rather than risking losing him for free in a year’s time if a new agreement is not reached.
However, reports suggest that Mourinho would oppose any approach from Arsenal for Vinícius Júnior this summer, as he has communicated to the club his desire for all key players to remain. Despite this, the player and Mourinho are understood to have been in contact since an incident last season involving Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, and were reportedly ready to start the new campaign with a clean slate.
The contract situation for Vinícius Júnior has been ongoing for approximately 18 months. He is reportedly earning 15m Euros net per year, with Real Madrid having offered 20m Euros. However, the player is said to be seeking 30m Euros, which equates to just over 550,000 Euros per week net. This financial aspect could pose a challenge for any potential suitor, including Arsenal.
Arsenal’s transfer activity and other targets
Arsenal have been active in the transfer market, having recently bolstered their attacking options with the £34m signing of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge. Tzolis joined Piero Hincapié, whose temporary deal was made permanent, and goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who arrived after his contract at Leeds expired, as Arsenal’s third addition.
The club had also identified Morgan Rogers as a target, but were reportedly unwilling to pay more than £80m for the England international. Rogers subsequently joined Chelsea in a £117m deal, which is reported as a British record fee. Additionally, Arsenal are prepared to break the British transfer record to sign Argentina striker Julián Álvarez, 26, from Atlético Madrid.
Beyond attacking players, Arsenal are also reportedly keen on signing Brazil international Bruno Guimarães. Following Newcastle’s 1-1 pre-season draw at Gateshead, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe stated that the club does not want to lose its best players, and that he has had conversations with Guimarães.
The club’s interest in Vinícius Júnior comes after they sold Leandro Trossard to Besiktas for £17m earlier this summer. Their alternative option on the left wing, Gabriel Martinelli, scored only one Premier League goal last season.
Source: theguardian.com