Arsenal have made a stunning inquiry to sign Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior, with the Brazil international having only one year left on his contract at the Bernabéu. The 26-year-old, who scored 22 goals for Real last season and four for Brazil at the World Cup, is at the top of Mikel Arteta’s wishlist as the Arsenal manager seeks a marquee signing to build on the club’s first Premier League title in more than two decades.
Any move for Vinícius is at a formative stage, but the interest has been approved at all levels within Arsenal. The Gunners are keen to add a wide forward after missing out on Morgan Rogers, who joined Chelsea in a British record £117m deal. Vinícius’s future at Real is uncertain after José Mourinho’s return as manager; Mourinho was criticised for comments he made after Vinícius accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing him during a Champions League tie in February. Prestianni was banned for six matches for using homophobic language towards Vinícius.
“Arsenal explore shock deal for Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior with one year left on his contract.”
Real could cash in on Vinícius rather than risk losing him for nothing next summer, especially as he would be due a significant loyalty bonus after eight years at the club. Talks between the clubs have not yet taken place. Arsenal have already bolstered their attack with the £34m signing of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, and have also added Piero Hincapié and goalkeeper Illan Meslier. Other wingers on Arteta’s shortlist include Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez, RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola. Arsenal are also keen on Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, though Eddie Howe said: “I don’t know what’s going to happen with Bruno’s future. That’s for other people to speculate about.”
The pursuit of Vinícius signals Arsenal’s intent to stay at the top after their title triumph. As co-chairman Josh Kroenke said in May: “When you win something, the sun’s still going to come up the next day. You’ve got to get back to work… If you’re not trying to continually evolve and improve, you’re standing still.” Whether Real Madrid are willing to sell remains the unanswered question.
