Spanish media believe Real Madrid have an “obligation” to sell Vinicius Junior this summer, handing Arsenal a glimmer of hope in their pursuit of the Brazil forward.
The 26-year-old, who joined Real as an 18-year-old in 2018 and has since scored 128 goals in 375 matches while winning 14 trophies, has entered the final year of his contract. Talks over a new deal have stalled — according to deputy director of Spanish outlet AS, Tomas Roncero, there has not been a single meeting for eight or nine months, with a “huge financial disagreement” over Vinicius’ demand to earn the same as Kylian Mbappe.
“Spanish media claim Real Madrid must sell Vinicius Jr due to contract stalemate, boosting Arsenal's hopes.”
Ex-Real Madrid goalkeeper Santi Canizares, speaking on COPE’s Tiempo de Juego programme, was blunt about the club’s predicament. “The more noise there is about a player, the less chance he has of leaving,” he said. “[But] Real Madrid are late with everything. If it’s true that he doesn’t have a signed agreement, Real Madrid have an obligation to sell him. You can’t lose 100 or 100-plus million euros by letting a player’s contract expire. I just don’t believe it’s going to happen. It’s an unforgivable mismanagement.”
Industry sources suggest Vinicius’ market value would exceed £200m, and reports claim any fee this summer would be in the £100m-plus range. Real Madrid have tried to renew his contract and opened further talks on Monday — but to no avail, according to BBC Sport. The forward is still “very receptive” to staying but “wants to feel loved”.
Arsenal, who head into the new season as defending Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years, have internally explored exploiting the impasse. Gunners manager Mikel Arteta wants to sign proven talent — and Vinicius fits the bill. BBC Sport understands Arteta has become so smitten with the notion of signing Vinicius that he is viewed internally as the club’s number one target. Sources close to Arsenal insist he is just one of a number of options, after missing out on Morgan Rogers to Chelsea.
However, there is a sense from those close to Vinicius that any move to Arsenal would be difficult. For most South American footballers, playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona is a lifelong ambition. Leaving the Bernabeu — even for a club as illustrious as Arsenal — would be viewed as, at best, a sideways step, and could impact the player’s commercial brand. The Gunners have already signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34m this window, but Arteta appears to want more firepower.
Real Madrid have zero interest in selling, according to Sky Sports News, and talks over a new deal are expected to ramp up in the coming days. Yet with no meeting for months and the clock ticking on a contract that expires in 2027 — but with only one year effectively left before free agency looms — the pressure is mounting. Arsenal are realistic about their chances, knowing it is a long shot. But if Spanish media are right, the obligation to sell may force a decision that could reshape the transfer window.