Real Madrid have resumed negotiations with Vinicius Junior after an almost year-long pause, offering the Brazil forward an improved salary of up to €22m (£19m) a year in an attempt to extend his contract beyond June 2027.
Sources familiar with the discussions told ESPN that the offer was made after the World Cup, underlining the Spanish club’s determination to retain one of their most important players. The move comes as interest in Vinicius grows, with Arsenal, the reigning Premier League champions, monitoring the prospect of signing the winger.
Real Madrid’s latest proposal represents a significant increase on the terms they were prepared to offer during negotiations over the previous two seasons. Vinicius currently earns about €17.5m annually, but the two sides remain some way apart, with the player seeking a salary of €30m per year.
The 26-year-old is entering the final year of his existing agreement. Unless a new deal is reached, he could leave Santiago Bernabeu on a free transfer at the end of next season. He would also be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club from January.
Vinicius and his representatives regard the next contract as the most important of his professional career. They believe it should properly reflect the player’s contribution since he joined Real Madrid in 2018, including his decisive goals in two UEFA Champions League finals.
The latest approach from Real Madrid comes after ESPN reported last week that the club’s hierarchy was open to the possibility of selling the Brazil international during the current summer transfer window if no agreement could be reached over an extension.
That position adds further urgency to talks involving a player who has become a central figure at the club. Real Madrid have now increased their proposed terms, but Vinicius’ demand for €30m a year means a substantial difference remains between the two parties.
Vinicius returned to training on Monday after a holiday that followed his involvement in the World Cup. He completed routine medical examinations before joining the rest of the squad for group training under the supervision of the team’s new manager, Jose Mourinho.
The renewed negotiations therefore take place against the backdrop of both sporting and contractual uncertainty. Real Madrid are attempting to secure the long-term future of a forward they have valued highly since his arrival, while Vinicius and his advisers are assessing what they consider a defining financial agreement.
For now, the club’s improved offer has reopened discussions but has not ended the impasse. With the forward’s contract running down and Arsenal’s interest increasing, the next stage of the negotiations could determine whether Vinicius remains at Santiago Bernabeu or becomes available to pursue a move elsewhere.
