Breaking: Arsenal set to sit down over Vinicius Jr deal

Arsenal's search for a left winger has taken shape around one of the biggest names in the world game. According to David Ornstein, Arsenal are interested in Vinicius Junior.

This development adds a huge new rival to the Liverpool file we covered earlier. Following our report on Liverpool targeting a free transfer for the player in 2027, Arsenal have made strengthening the left flank a priority target this summer, with Vinicius considered among the potential alternatives after missing out on Morgan Rogers to Chelsea.

The breadth of the competition has also become clear. According to Sports Mole, Arsenal are one of five Premier League clubs — alongside Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool — monitoring the player's contract situation at Real Madrid; these clubs are reported to be ready to "seriously consider" a move should he become available.

The salary negotiation picture is also notable. Real Madrid are reported to have offered to raise Vinicius' basic weekly salary from £350,000 to over £400,000, though his representatives are said to be targeting a figure closer to £500,000 a week; Bayern Munich are also reported to be interested in the player, while the Saudi Pro League offers the potential to double his salary.

Real Madrid's timeline for the future has also become clear. According to AS, Real Madrid and Vinicius are planning a meeting at the end of this month to discuss the player's future, with his contract set to expire at the end of the 2026-27 season; it is emphasised that the club could consider sanctioning a sale this window given the risk of losing him for nothing next summer.

Arsenal are also reported to be in a particularly advantageous position in this race. According to GiveMeSport, the club is one of the few teams prioritising a left-winger signing this summer, with Bukayo Saka having long carried the attacking burden alone reinforcing this need; a football.london assessment lists Vinicius, Bradley Barcola and Yan Diomande as three alternatives Arsenal are considering following the missed Rogers deal.

The player's career statistics also underline the scale of this interest. Having joined from Flamengo in 2018 and won three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies at Real Madrid, the 26-year-old Brazilian is recalled to have contributed 22 goals and 10 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions last season.

Source: David Ornstein
Image: Sport Bild