Real Madrid make improved contract offer to Vinicius Junior - The Athletic

Real Madrid have submitted an improved contract offer to Vinicius Junior in an effort to block a potential move to Arsenal. The Brazilian winger, 26, has entered the final year of his current deal and now faces a decision on his future in Spain.

The negotiations follow reports of strong interest from the Gunners, who are willing to make Vinicius their highest-paid player. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is believed to have spoken with the player. On Wednesday, talks were held between Vinicius' camp, Real Madrid chief scout Juni Calafat and general director Jose Angel Sanchez.

Previous negotiations had stalled as the two parties were far apart. Vinicius had requested a salary of €28m (£24m), though other reports indicate he wants a financial package worth approximately €30 million per season. According to The Athletic, Real Madrid have now raised their offer to a level they believe reflects the forward's importance to the squad.

If Vinicius remains at the club, he would be owed a loyalty bonus reported to be around £9m. The desire for him to stay is shared by new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho. In a Tuesday interview with Real Madrid TV, Vinicius discussed his relationship with the coach:

"It has ⁠gone very well, getting to know the new coach and the new players, and training very hard. Mourinho wants me to be as I have always been: happy, cheerful ‌and playing my football."

Vinicius Junior, player, via Real Madrid TV

Should the player reject the improved terms, Real Madrid faces a choice between selling the winger this summer or risking his departure as a free agent next year. The tension arrives as Arsenal aggressively pursues high-profile talent, having already agreed to a £75-million fee with Newcastle for Bruno Guimaraes, a teammate of Vinicius on the Brazilian national team.

Wider Real Madrid Activity

The contract saga with Vinicius is only one part of a busy window for Los Blancos. The Spanish club is on the verge of completing a deal for Ivorian winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig. Real Madrid will pay €125 million up front, with the total deal potentially reaching €140 million depending on bonuses. Leganes, Diomande's previous club, is entitled to roughly 5% of the profit from the Leipzig sale.

Additionally, Real Madrid are reportedly growing confident in their ability to secure a transfer for Manchester City midfielder Rodri. The World Cup winner has one year remaining on his contract, and Real believe they can negotiate a deal worth around €50 million.

The club is also managing its young talent, with Argentine playmaker Franco Mastantuono joining Fiorentina on a season-long loan. Real Madrid signed the teenager last summer and will continue to pay a portion of his salary during his time in Italy.

Arsenal's Pursuit and Schedule

While awaiting a decision from Vinicius, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side is preparing for the new season. Beyond the agreed move for Guimaraes, the Gunners have signed Greek winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34m and welcomed goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer from Leeds.

Arsenal's immediate schedule includes a friendly against Real Betis in Dublin on Wednesday, followed by matches against Borussia Dortmund and Como at the Emirates. Their competitive campaign begins with the Community Shield against Manchester City, followed by a league opener against newly-promoted Coventry at home on Friday, August 21.