What Vinicius Junior has told friends amid Arsenal transfer links

Arsenal are closely monitoring Vinicius Junior’s contract situation at Real Madrid (Picture: Getty)

Vinicius Junior has told his inner circle he wants to resolve his future this summer so there is no risk of him leaving Real Madrid on a free transfer in 12 months’ time.

The 26-year-old has just a year remaining on his current contract at the Bernabeu and Premier League champions Arsenal have been alerted to the situation as they endeavour to revamp their attack with a genuine world-class talent.

Reports on Sunday claimed Arsenal’s hierarchy had greenlit the proposed move ‘at all levels’, with Mikel Arteta ‘absolutely smitten’ with the idea of coaxing the Brazilian superstar to north London.

However, Jose Mourinho has made it clear to Madrid’s decision-makers that he is vehemently opposed to the prospect of losing Vinicius Junior ahead of the new season, while the forward himself has ‘prioritised’ agreeing a renewal with Los Blancos.

The Gunners have not been put off by these apparent setbacks, though, and are prepared to offer Vinicius wages in excess of £350,000-a-week to make the 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up far and away the highest-paid player at the club.

Madrid and Vinicius are said to be planning a fresh round of contract talks once the attacker has returned from his hometown of Sao Goncalo, where he has been enjoying a short break following the World Cup.

Both sides are determined to reach a resolution sooner rather than later and while his future remains somewhat uncertain, Vinicius has been telling those close to him that he wants to stay put for the long-term.

Vinicius is keen to resolve his future as quickly as possible (Picture: Getty)

The Brazilian’s current deal is due to expire in June 2027 (Picture: Getty)

According to Spanish journalist Tomas Roncero, this is partly driven by Vinicius’ desire to give back to Madrid what he feels he owes the club after the ‘gamble’ they took on him when he aged just 18.

Roncero, the editor-in-chief of AS, told Cadena SER’s El Larguero programme: ‘In recent weeks, he’s been saying to those around him that he doesn’t want to leave without Real Madrid receiving a single euro: “I can’t leave Madrid for free because Madrid took me in when I was 18, from a humble family, with a difficult social and personal situation, and they believed in me.”

‘They paid €45m euros when it was just a gamble, a promise, nothing more, “Madrid has given me everything, I can’t leave without leaving a single euro in the bank”, I’m saying what he’s telling his friends.’

Arteta is said to be ‘smitten’ with the idea of signing Vinicius (Picture: Getty)

Though Roncero was reluctant to speak for those around Vinicius, he was adamant that the player himself was intent on removing any risk of becoming a free agent in a year’s time.

‘Maybe his agents are more calculating when it comes to negotiations,’ he added.

‘But that’s what Vinicius is saying, that he can’t leave Madrid for free.’