Arsenal have emerged as serious admirers of Vinicius Junior, but the Brazilian forward is said to favour remaining at Real Madrid this summer.
Spanish journalist Jorge C Picon has reported that Arsenal have not yet made direct contact with the player or those representing him.
The Athletic reported that Arsenal were actively exploring a deal for Vinicius, though the outlet was careful to stress it remains very early in the process.
Picon has stated clearly that “Vinicius Junior wants to stay at Real Madrid,” a sentiment echoed by those close to the player’s inner circle.
Despite his preference to stay, Vinicius has so far declined to sign a new contract with the Spanish club, leaving his future genuinely uncertain heading into the new season.
Picon’s post also noted: “Regarding Arsenal, the English club privately confirms its interest in the Brazilian, but sources close to the player also state that, to date, no one has gotten in touch with them.”
The journalist also warned that time is becoming a pressing issue, with Vinicius set to return to Madrid at the end of the week with his contract situation unresolved.
Picon added: “Vinicius will return to Madrid at the end of the week with his future hotter than ever and the countdown officially underway.”
Some figures within Real Madrid reportedly believe it may now be impossible to prevent Vinicius from entering the final year of his contract, though a renewal during the 2026/27 season has not been dismissed.
Arsenal’s pursuit of a player of this magnitude would represent a transfer on an entirely different scale from anything the club has attempted in recent memory.
The north London side have history with Real Madrid in the transfer market, having signed Mesut Ozil from the Spanish giants back in the summer of 2013 in a deal that broke their transfer record at the time.
Current Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is also a former Real Madrid player, demonstrating a degree of familiarity between the two clubs that could prove useful in negotiations.
Whether that relationship is enough to facilitate a move for one of the world’s most recognised footballers, however, remains to be seen over the coming days.
Arsenal supporters will need to exercise patience as this situation develops, with the next few days expected to be pivotal in determining Vinicius Junior’s long-term future.
