Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has entered the final 12 months of his current contract, sparking significant transfer speculation, with Arsenal actively exploring a move for the Brazilian forward. Despite the mounting interest, both Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid share a mutual priority: to secure a contract renewal.

Arsenal’s pursuit of the 26-year-old has reportedly gained considerable traction within the club. According to The Athletic, “the idea has approval at all levels within Arsenal.” While the Gunners have been actively exploring the possibility, no club-to-club talks have yet taken place between Arsenal and Real Madrid regarding a potential transfer. Liverpool had also previously shown interest in signing Vinicius Junior on a free transfer in 2027.

Vinicius’s demands and feeling undervalued

For Vinicius Junior, a new deal with Real Madrid hinges on two key factors: assurances regarding his role under manager Jose Mourinho and a salary that reflects his status as one of world football’s elite talents. The forward is reportedly demanding wages of around €20 million net per season. This figure represents a €5 million net per season increase from his last contract renewal in 2022, which saw him earn an average of €15 million net annually over five seasons until 2027. He began earning approximately €10 million net after that 2022 renewal and is set to earn around €18 million net this coming season, plus an additional €2 million since winning The Best award.

Sources close to the player suggest Vinicius Junior has “felt undervalued” by recent speculation linking Real Madrid with other attacking players. AS reports that the player has been affected by the club’s reported interest in Julian Alvarez and Michael Olise, as well as the recent agreement of personal terms with RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande. Notably, Diomande shares the same agent, Frederico Pena, with Vinicius Junior. Contract discussions between Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid are expected to resume next week following his vacation.

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Mourinho’s plans and Real Madrid’s stance

Despite the player’s concerns, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is keen to retain Vinicius Junior as a cornerstone of his new project. Mourinho reportedly envisions a formidable frontline featuring Diomande, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Junior, with Jude Bellingham providing support from midfield. The club’s desire to renew the Brazilian’s contract mirrors the player’s own priority, according to AS, which states: “Vinicius’s priority is to renew his contract with Real Madrid. And, similarly, Real Madrid’s priority is to renew it.”

Vinicius Junior has been a pivotal figure for Real Madrid since joining from Flamengo for £38 million in 2017 at the age of 16. Over eight years, he has amassed an impressive record:

• 128 goals

• 100 assists

• 14 pieces of silverware, including three La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns

He was also the 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up, underscoring his significant impact and value to the Spanish giants.

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