Arsenal explore Vinicius Junior transfer - Report

Arsenal explore Vinicius Junior transfer - Report

Arsenal have begun exploring a potential blockbuster move for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, according to reports. While the reigning Premier League champions have not yet initiated direct talks with the Spanish club, there is approval at all levels within the Arsenal hierarchy to pursue the 26-year-old Brazilian.

The move comes as Vinicius enters the final 12 months of his contract. Real Madrid and the player have yet to reach an agreement on a renewal, creating a situation where the winger could leave on a free transfer next summer. This precarious contract status has provided hope to Arsenal that they could lure the star away from the Spanish capital this summer.

However, the pursuit faces significant hurdles. New Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho opposes the sale and has informed club management that he wants to keep all his key players, specifically insisting that Vinicius, Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham remain in the squad for the new season. Financial constraints also loom; Vinicius reportedly earns £400,000 per week, a figure that would make him the highest paid player at Arsenal and place enormous pressure on the club's budget.

Internal friction at Real Madrid may further facilitate a move. Reports from El Chiringuito presenter Josep Pedrerol suggest tension between Vinicius and Mbappé. The Frenchman's camp allegedly believes Vinicius has attempted to portray Mbappé as a villain by leaking negative stories to the media. There are further claims that the Brazilian played a role in the sacking of former head coach Xabi Alonso earlier this year, a manager whom Mbappé had strongly supported before his January departure.

Tactical clashes have also been noted, as both players prefer the left side of the pitch. Last season, the pair set up 19 goals for one another, though the distribution was uneven: Vinicius provided 15 assists for Mbappé, while the former Paris Saint-Germain player returned the favor only four times. After Madrid ended the campaign trophyless for the first time in five years, Vinicius allegedly attempted to cast Mbappé as the problem.

Despite these tensions, Madrid president Florentino Perez expressed a desire to keep the winger in June.

"Vini is one of the best players in the world and he is delighted to be a Madrid player... There is still time, but I tell you Vinicius wants to stay at Madrid and I want him to stay."

Florentino Perez, Madrid president, via Metro

Real Madrid appears to be strengthening their squad regardless of whether Vinicius stays. The club is working on a deal for 30-year-old Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who recently captained Spain to victory over Argentina in the World Cup final. Additionally, Madrid is targeting 19-year-old RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande. Although an opening offer of €100 million (£85.4m) was rejected by the German club, Diomande remains under strong consideration. He is also attracting interest from Liverpool, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain.

For Arsenal, the ability to target such an elite player reflects the club's growth after winning the Premier League and reaching a Champions League final. But the club's ambitions extend beyond the left wing; they are also reportedly targeting striker Julian Alvarez and have shown interest in 30-year-old Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins. Arsenal previously had a £60million bid for Watkins rejected in January 2025, though recent reports suggest he could now be available for £40m.

The resolution of the Vinicius situation may hinge on a meeting between the player and Real Madrid scheduled for the end of the month.