Vinicius Junior intends to reach a resolution on his delicate contract situation at Real Madrid and is not currently entertaining interest from Arsenal, according to reports in Spain.
A report from The Athletic on Saturday claimed Arsenal had been actively exploring a sensational move for Vinicius, with the idea said to have been ‘approved on all levels’ within the club’s hierarchy.
Vinicius has entered into the final 12 months of his current deal and the Gunners have been alerted to the precarious situation as they scour the market for attacking reinforcements ahead of the new campaign.
The news that Madrid have agreed personal terms with RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande has only fuelled rumours that Vinicius’ days with Los Blancos could be numbered after a glittering eight-year spell at the Bernabeu.
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According to Spanish publication AS, Vinicius has ‘felt undervalued’ by incessant speculation linking Madrid with Barcelona’s Julian Alvarez, Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise and Diomande in recent months.
However, it’s claimed the 26-year-old Brazil international he wants to stay put and his ‘priority’ is to renew his contract at the Bernabeu.
Vinicius ‘make it easy’ for Madrid bosses to strike an agreement over a new deal, keen to avoid a repeat of last summer’s episode, when contract talks came to an abrupt halt in the wake of the Club World Cup.
This viewpoint is shared by Madrid’s hierarchy, who intend do everything in their power to strike a deal with Vinicius’ camp and put any doubts over the forward’s future to bed.
The report adds that contract discussions between Vinicius and Madrid are expected to resume next week once the winger has returned from his hometown Sao Goncalo, where he has been enjoying a short break.
Before making any knee-jerk decisions, though, Vinicius wants assurances from Madrid’s management over his role in Jose Mourinho’s first-team – and also whether his salary will reflect how he views his status in the world game.
Mourinho has reportedly made it clear that he wishes to keep hold of the 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up, already planning for life with a superstar frontline of Diomande, Mbappe and Vinicius, supported by Jude Bellingham.
Vinicius is said to be demanding wages of around €20million (£17m) net per season, an increase of €5m (£4.3m) on what he was earning after his last contract renewal in 2022.
Liverpool have also been linked with Vinicius this summer but their interest remains just that for the time being.
Vinicius has racked up 128 goals and 100 assists for Madrid since joining the Spanish giants from Flamengo for £38m back in 2017, when the Brazilian was aged just 16.
In that time, Vinicius has helped Madrid win 14 pieces of silverware, including three La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns.
Premier League champions Arsenal have already moved to strengthen their attack with the summer addition of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for a reported fee of around £34m.
Mikel Arteta’s side also captured free agent Illan Meslier, while activating their £35m option to sign Piero Hincapie on a permanent basis from Bayer Leverkusen.
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