Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior is reportedly not looking to depart the club this summer, despite interest from Arsenal. Reports indicate that Vinicius Junior intends to renew his contract with Real Madrid, with discussions for a new deal expected to resume in the coming week.
There is optimism that an agreement can be reached between Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid, as the difference between his demands and the club’s offer is considered minimal. This preference to remain with Real Madrid comes as the club is reportedly in advanced discussions to sign RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande in a transfer that could exceed £100m. Both Vinicius Junior and Diomande are left-sided forwards, suggesting potential competition for playing time.
For Arsenal, this development represents a setback in their pursuit of a key target. However, facilitating a move for Vinicius Junior might have presented challenges regardless of his desire, according to reports. His reported weekly wages of £400,000 would have been substantial for Arsenal to accommodate. Such a salary package could have potentially required other members of the Gunners squad, including Declan Rice and Mikel Arteta, to forgo potential pay increases as they are also in line for new contracts.
Arsenal’s transfer activities
Arsenal had reportedly made an inquiry about the Brazil international, who has one year remaining on his current contract at the Bernabéu. Any potential move for Vinicius Junior was believed to be in its early stages. The 26-year-old forward, who scored 22 goals for Real Madrid last season and four goals for Brazil at the World Cup, was seen as a marquee signing for Arsenal as they aim to build on their recent Premier League title win, their first in over two decades.
Other players on Arsenal’s radar include Atlético Madrid‘s Julián Álvarez, RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, and Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain. Arsenal recently strengthened their attacking options with the £34m acquisition of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge. Another target, Morgan Rogers, was also identified, but Arsenal was reportedly unwilling to pay more than £80m for the England international, who has since joined Chelsea in a £117m deal, which is a British record fee.
Tzolis is Arsenal’s third addition, following Piero Hincapié, whose temporary deal became a permanent transfer, and goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who was out of contract at Leeds. Arsenal is also reportedly keen on signing Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle, with reports suggesting a potential move to the Emirates. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe commented on Guimarães’ future, stating that the club does not wish to lose its key players and that he has had conversations with the player.
Uncertainty at Real Madrid
Vinicius Junior’s future at Real Madrid has been a subject of speculation, particularly following the return of José Mourinho to the club. Mourinho has signed a three-year deal at the Bernabéu. There were suggestions that Real Madrid might consider cashing in on the player rather than risk losing him for free when his contract expires in a year’s time.
Mourinho faced criticism for comments he made after Vinicius Junior accused Benfica‘s Gianluca Prestianni of racial abuse during a Champions League match in February. Mourinho, who was Benfica’s manager at the time, reportedly stated that “something happens, always” in matches involving Vinicius Junior. Prestianni later admitted to using homophobic language towards Vinicius Junior and received a six-match ban.
Despite the external interest and internal changes at Real Madrid, Vinicius Junior’s preference is to stay and extend his contract with the club, with renewal talks anticipated to restart next week.
Source: standard.co.uk
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