Arsenal are exploring a potential deal to sign Vinícius Júnior from Real Madrid. The Brazil international, who has one year remaining on his contract at the Bernabéu, is among several attacking players the Premier League champions are considering.
While there has been no direct contact between the clubs, interest in Vinícius Júnior is present within Arsenal. The club is looking to strengthen its left-wing options, and the 26-year-old forward is seen as a significant addition.
Contract situation and potential move
Vinícius Júnior’s future at Real Madrid is uncertain, particularly following José Mourinho‘s return as manager. Real Madrid could consider selling the player rather than risk losing him for free when his contract expires next year.
Reports indicate that Vinícius Júnior has been in the final year of his contract for some time, with negotiations for a renewal not yet reaching a breakthrough. Real Madrid would prefer not to lose the forward without a transfer fee, especially given a loyalty bonus he would be due next season.
The player’s relationship with Mourinho has been a point of focus. However, it is understood that Vinícius Júnior and the head coach have communicated since an incident last season involving Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni, and both were prepared to start the new campaign together.
Vinícius Júnior scored 22 goals for Real Madrid across all competitions in the 2025-26 season. He also scored four goals for Brazil at the World Cup, where he played in all five of Brazil’s matches before their elimination in the round of 16.
Other attacking targets and recent signings
Vinícius Júnior is not the only forward on Arsenal’s radar. Other players of interest include Julián Álvarez of Atlético Madrid, Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, and Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal has already made additions to their squad this summer. They completed the signing of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34m. Tzolis joins Piero Hincapié, whose temporary deal became permanent, and goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who was out of contract at Leeds, as new arrivals.
The club also had an interest in Morgan Rogers, but were reportedly unwilling to pay more than £80m for the England international. Rogers ultimately joined Chelsea in a £117m deal, which was a British record fee.
In terms of outgoings, Leandro Trossard was sold to Besiktas for £17m earlier in the summer. Gabriel Martinelli, another left-wing option, scored only one Premier League goal last season.
Arsenal is also reportedly keen on signing Bruno Guimarães, the Brazil international from Newcastle. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe commented on Guimarães’s future, stating that the club does not want to lose its key players and that he has had conversations with the player.
Regarding Vinícius Júnior’s contract, Spanish football expert Terry Gibson mentioned that the player is currently on 15m Euros a year net, with Real Madrid offering 20m Euros, while the player is seeking 30m Euros, which is just over 550,000 Euros a week net. This contract situation has reportedly been ongoing for 18 months.
Source: theguardian.com