Real Madrid assist for Vinicius Jr switch emerges as Arsenal stance clear

Vinicius Jr is open to an Arsenal transfer as Real Madrid contract extension talks stall, with the Gunners prepared to make a move for the winger

A move to Arsenal would ‘appeal’ to Vincius Jr should he chose against signing a new contract at Real Madrid.

Mikel Arteta’s side are interested in sealing a move for Vinicius, who has less than 12 months left on his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu, as he tries to strengthen his forward line this summer.

The 26-year-old Brazil international would prefer to stay in the Spanish capital, but Real’s reluctance to find common ground during contract negotiations has started to alter his stance. Arsenal’s recruitment team are believed to be keeping tabs on developments and stand ready to pounce should Vinicius Jr chose against staying in Madrid.

Now, according to The Athletic, it has emerged that Vinicius Jr would be open to joining the Gunners should he fail to agree new terms with Los Blancos. Should he determine that a move to Emirates Stadium appeals, an accord is expected to be reached on personal terms, with Vinicius believed to be seeking £360,000 per week.

Arsenal’s ownership have given the green light to the projected figures for a deal, and while the sums are eye-watering, the Gunners are hopeful their outlay would be balanced by the commercial boost Vinicius Jr would deliver. He would take Arsenal’s brand to unprecedented heights and the Gunners are convinced he can become the face of the club and even the Premier League for years to come.

It’s believed that Vinicius could represent the most significant transfer ever into English football’s top tier, eclipsing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Paul Pogba amongst others.

It’s reported that certain figures at Real would prefer to offload Vinicius this summer, should a fresh contract fail to materialise, rather than risk him departing for nothing in 12 months’ time. Los Blancos are still anticipated to demand £137million for the Brazilian, though.

From January onwards, clubs beyond Spain’s borders, such as the Gunners, will be permitted to enter pre-contract negotiations with the winger regarding a free transfer in the summer of 2027. Should the player not suddenly opt to prolong his Bernabeu stay, Real will face a challenging decision.

Florentino Perez and Jose Mourinho must weigh up whether they’d prefer to gamble on losing Vinicius Jr for nothing at campaign’s end or minimise their losses and capitalise before the opportunity vanishes. The Brazilian could, essentially, be obtainable for a reduced fee during the winter transfer window, with merely months remaining on his contract.

However, come January, with the business end of the season looming, there’s perpetually the danger that Real hierarchy will value his on-field contributions more highly than cash reserves.