Vinicius Junior is attracted by the prospect of joining Arsenal if he fails to agree a new contract with Real Madrid, according to reports.
Mikel Arteta’s side are exploring the possibility of signing Vinicius Jr before the end of the summer transfer window but have yet to submit an offer to Madrid.
The Brazil international has less than a year remaining on his contract with Madrid and could leave the Spanish club on a free transfer next summer.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal are yet to make an official approach for Vinicius Jr but a potential switch to the Premier League champions ‘appeals’ to the 26-year-old.
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The report adds that if Vinicius Jr decides to make the move to the Premier League, Arsenal are expected to find an agreement on personal terms.
‘Arteta loves him,’ a source close to the Arsenal manager said. ‘If he doesn’t renew, we will be there.’
Madrid, meanwhile, are understood to have issued an ultimatum to Vinicius Jr during their talks over a new deal.
Last year, Vinicius Jr has rejected an offer of a new deal worth €20 million (£17.1m) net per season, while Madrid are refusing to include a renewal bonus as part of the Brazilian’s package.
Madrid now want to end uncertainty over Vinicius Jr’s future and their offer of a new contract remains on the table.
However, the Spanish club have informed the winger that their latest proposal is final and that there will be no further increase.
During talks with Vinicius Jr, Madrid have told the winger that if he does not renew his contract, they will sell him before the end of the transfer window.
Madrid are understood to be unwilling to alter their salary structure, despite Vinicius Jr’s importance to the team, but do not want to see the winger leave as a free agent next year, which opens the door to a potential sale to Arsenal this summer.
In an interview with El Pais earlier this summer, Madrid president Florentino Perez insisted that he would not stand in Vinicius Jr’s way if he wants to leave but hoped that the winger would remain at the Santiago Bernabeu.
‘I’d love for him to stay forever,’ Perez said.
‘He’s won us the last two Champions Leagues and he’s very much identified with the club. Do you know who doesn’t want him? Those who aren’t Real Madrid fans,
‘Vinicius is a star and I’ll be delighted to have him always.
‘If he doesn’t want to be at Madrid and wants to sign with another club, he’ll be free to do so. I’m not going to force him into anything. Money won’t be the most important thing, it never has been.’
Madrid are also in advanced talks to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig in a deal worth €135m (£115.5m) after add-ons.
On Saturday morning, the 19-year-old reported in sick and is not expected to travel with the squad for their training camp in Austria today.
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