Real Madrid are expected to resume negotiations with Vinicius Jr over a new contract this week, with Premier League champions Arsenal continuing to follow the forward’s situation closely.
Arsenal have made the Brazil international their preferred option on the left wing if he remains without an agreement at the Bernabeu. The possibility of one of the world’s leading attackers moving to north London has generated considerable interest among supporters, although it is still unclear whether Vinicius will be available to sign this summer.
Talks between Real Madrid and the player’s representatives have been ongoing for 18 months. His current contract runs until 2027, but the club face renewed urgency over his future as discussions prepare to restart.
Vinicius returned to Real Madrid on Monday for his first pre-season training session and medical assessment after representing Brazil at the World Cup. He is working with Jose Mourinho for the first time this week, and sources close to the Portuguese manager say Mourinho wants the winger to commit his long-term future to the Spanish club.
The 26-year-old is also understood to want to stay at Real Madrid. However, with his deal entering its final year next summer, the club risk losing him for nothing if the two sides fail to agree an extension.
That prospect has increased the pressure on Real Madrid to settle the matter before the transfer window closes. Negotiations are expected to become more intensive over the coming days, with the club hopeful of reaching an agreement this week.
A comparable situation arose in 2023, when Vinicius had entered the final year of his previous contract. He eventually signed a new agreement that extended his stay at Real Madrid until 2027.
The latest renewal discussions have been affected by differences over wages and the player’s standing within the squad. Vinicius is believed to want financial recognition as Real Madrid’s leading star, particularly after carrying much of the team’s attacking responsibility for several years before the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has traditionally been determined to preserve the club’s salary structure. Mbappe is currently among the highest earners at the club, adding another factor to the negotiations.
Despite the disagreement, Vinicius has publicly called Real Madrid “the club of my dreams” and said he wants to remain there “for many years”.
If a new contract cannot be agreed, Arsenal could make their interest more significant. Manager Mikel Arteta has indicated that he believes this transfer window offers an opportunity to take Arsenal to another level, and the prospect of signing Vinicius has strongly appealed to him.
A deal for the Brazilian would underline Arsenal’s ambition to build on last season’s Premier League title success by adding one of the world’s best players during the peak years of his career.
However, people close to Vinicius have consistently played down the likelihood of an immediate move. Arsenal also recognise that the forward’s contract situation does not guarantee they will be able to sign him. With negotiations still unresolved, control of the next step ultimately rests with the player.
