Several suitors are keeping a close eye on the situation, with The Athletic revealing that Arsenal are exploring a move for him.
Arsenal’s ownership have also given approval to the idea of moving forward with a deal. Vinicius is Arsenal’s top target to strengthen their attack. A move to Arsenal appeals to the Brazil international if he does not renew his contract with Madrid. Should the attacker decide he wants to join Arsenal, an agreement is expected to be found on personal terms.
“(Mikel) Arteta loves him,” a person with knowledge of the Arsenal manager’s outlook says. “If he doesn’t renew, we will be there.”
The financial differences between Madrid and Vinicius remain significant, with the sides scheduled to hold conversations next week to bring the matter to a head. The player is due back in training by then. It is anticipated the days ahead will be crucial to determining the outcome.
As it stands, three options remain open: extend with Madrid, wait until next summer to depart as a free agent or join Arsenal now.
Sources say the renewal bonus has been the main point of contention between the parties since then.
Faced with Madrid’s argument that they cannot exceed the wage cap any further, sources close to Vinicius’s camp say they see a renewal bonus as the only way to increase his earnings. Underlying this is the comparison with his teammate Kylian Mbappe, whose salary is very similar.
However, Mbappe earns much more from the signing bonus he received after joining as a free agent from PSG in 2024.
Madrid have always been opposed to accepting Vinicius’s request, thinking that it would create a dangerous ‘knock-on effect’ within the squad in future renewals. Vinicius is open to lowering his demands if it helps reach an agreement with Madrid.
Aware of the gap between both sides after a lack of progress between Real Madrid and Vinicius, and of how this has been affecting the player, sources with knowledge of the situation say Arsenal have been making moves behind the scenes for months.
Madrid’s anticipated signing of Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig is seen as good news by sources close to Arsenal, as they believe Vinicius might view it as a move to ensure they are covered in the event of his departure. However, there is yet to be a resolution to that transfer, which could impact the progress of a move for Vinicius.
Sporting director Andrea Berta has held talks with the Vinicius camp. Key figures at Arsenal have also conveyed to his representatives that he would be the star of a solid project, a team led by Arteta that won the last Premier League and only lost the Champions League final on penalties to PSG.
Madrid proposed a €20m annual salary to Vinicius, and Arsenal would need to and are willing to make an exception to their usual salary structure for a player like Vinicius. A sign-on bonus and image rights could also help from a financial standpoint. When it comes to a transfer fee, Madrid are at risk of losing Vinicius for free next summer, when his contract expires, which some at the Spanish club do fear. He would also be due a significant loyalty bonus next season. Arsenal hope to take advantage of Vinicius’ contract situation to negotiate a reduced fee.
Arsenal’s ownership have approved the anticipated figures for a deal. While the numbers are daunting, Arsenal hope their expenditure would be offset by a significant commercial windfall. Vinicius is a marketing powerhouse, and it is felt his arrival would elevate Arsenal’s brand to new heights. Arsenal think he can be the face of the club and possibly the Premier League — his arrival could arguably be the biggest transfer ever into the division.
