Vinicius Jr to Arsenal latest as Gunners in 'strong position' to seal blockbuster transfer

Arsenal remain optimistic over a stunning deal for Vinicius Jr should the winger choose not to renew his contract with Real Madrid. The Gunners have explored a deal for the Brazilian wideman this summer, with Mikel Arteta keen on adding to his frontline after ending the club’s long wait for the Premier League crown.

Arsenal have approved a move for Vinicius at all levels of the club but a move now depends on what happens during talks over a new deal. Real are keen to tie the Brazilian down to a new contract - Vinicius’ current deal set to expire in 2027.

But there is an impasse in talks. Vinicius currently banks €18m per season in Spain and has received a renewal offer of around €20m, which was rejected by the winger’s camp.

They have asked for a total package of just under €30m per season which encompasses a base salary, performance-related bonuses and a renewal bonus., albeit are prepared to lower their demands to come to an agreement. As per The Athletic, Real are hesitant to pay a renewal bonus as they are aware that it would set a dangerous precedent within the squad, while they do not want to break their already-established wage cap any further.

From Arsenal’s point of view, they are willing to offer Vinicius a contract that would go beyond their usual wage structure, with the hope that a signing-on bonus and image rights could help them from a financial standpoint.

When it comes to a transfer fee, Arsenal are hopeful that they could seal a deal for a reduced fee given that Real Madrid could lose Vinicius for nothing in 12 months’ time when his contract expires. That is a situation that the Spanish giants are desperate to avoid.

There are also reportedly figures at the Bernabeu in favour of cashing in this summer as opposed to letting him leave as a free agent. But the final decision will ultimately lie with president Florentino Perez.

As it stands, the situation very much hinges on talks over a new deal, with three options being realistic. Either Vinicius pens a new deal with Real Madrid and any talk of an exit is taken off of the table, or he will leave this summer or next for nothing.

When it comes to Mikel Arteta, the Spaniard has underlined his desire to add to his squad ahead of the new campaign. He said: “A lot is happening.

“We all know about the context of this transfer window. From ownership to the board, the sporting director and myself, we know that we want to take this club to a different level.

“That is going to require a better squad, better individuals. We have identified where we have opportunities to grow and to improve and to evolve our game and what is going to be needed to achieve that. Hopefully very soon we can start to put things in a very concrete way.”