Arsenal are exploring a big-money move for Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior and have now been told the conditions for a potential deal this summer
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior is attracting interest from Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)
Real Madrid reportedly want at least €160million (£137m) for Vinicius Junior amid interest from Arsenal. The Gunners are exploring a move for the winger, with Real Madrid keen not to lose the Brazil international for nothing when his contract expires next summer.
The 26-year-old is seen as an option to strengthen Arsenal’s left-hand side as they look to consolidate their status as Premier League champions under Mikel Arteta.
The forward scored 22 goals and provided 14 assists in 53 appearances for Los Blancos last season – despite the Spanish giants enduring a fallow campaign.
And with talks over a new contract at the Santiago Bernabeu having reportedly stalled, it could be an excellent opportunity for Arteta’s men to acquire one of the game’s leading attacking players.
But Spanish newspaper SPORT claim that the Gunners will need to smash the British transfer record to sign him. Alexander Isak’s £125m move from Newcastle United to Liverpool last summer is the current highest total.
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If Arsenal are to pay the reported £137m fee being requested, they would break that record by at least £12m, although Real may want more. The report in SPORT also states that the La Liga side will not even negotiate if the figure is not met.
It is said that the 15-time Champions League winners want to set a high enough bar to deter opportunistic inquiries on any deal, including fees linked to performance and titles won.
It is reported that the player and club agreed to meet at the end of July to discuss a possible contract renewal – with Arsenal sure to take a keen interest if talks break down.
Vinicius Jr only has a year or so left on his contract at Real Madrid(Image: Photo by Alex Pantling – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Real boss Jose Mourinho has reportedly made it clear that he wants Vinicius Jr. to remain at the Spanish capital club. The Telegraph report that Mourinho would be against the idea of the Brazilian leaving the Santiago Bernabeu to complete a move to Arteta’s team.
But Real may need to raise funds, as reports suggest they are looking at a £102m move for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.
football.london understands that Arsenal have also made an enquiry for the Ivorian.
But if Diomande chooses Real, that could increase the prospect of Vinicius Jr. rocking up at the Emirates Stadium this summer.
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Despite surprise over a potential move for the Los Blancos star, Arteta has shown a desire for the club to be in the market for the very best players in the world.
In 2024, when Kylian Mbappe was set to leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of his deal, Arteta was straight in his response when asked if Arsenal had to throw their hat into the ring for such players. “Exactly,” he replied.
“Why not? If we want to be the best team, then you need to have the best players, that’s for sure.”
He added: “When there is a player of that calibre, we always have to be in that conversation. But it looks in a different way, that’s what I would say.”