Madrid and Vinicius Jr met on Wednesday to discuss the Brazil international\u2019s future and sources with knowledge of the talks, granted anonymity to protect relationships, indicated a package was proposed that reflects his importance to the club and their project<\/a>.<\/p>\n Vinicius Jr had to then decide whether to renew, enter free agency next summer when his current deal expires or pursue the opportunity provided by Arsenal, who were ready to launch an ambitious move<\/a> should he choose not to remain in Madrid.<\/p>\n Arsenal\u2019s ownership were fully behind<\/a> pushing ahead with a move for the 26-year-old in the event he was available and had made him their top target to bolster their forward line following their Premier League title win last season. Vinicius Jr was open to joining Arsenal if he chose not to renew his Madrid terms.<\/p>\n Vinicius Jr opting to stay at Madrid adds some stability to what has been a summer of change in the Spanish capital.<\/p>\n Jose Mourinho has returned as head coach while Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate, Carlos Espi and Denzel Dumfries have all arrived as new signings.<\/p>\n The club have also confirmed the signing of winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig<\/a> and have been working on a deal for Manchester City midfielder Rodri, though the Spain captain appears now to prefer a move to rivals Barcelona<\/a>.<\/p>\n Vinicius Jr has made 375 appearances since moving to Madrid from Brazilian club Flamengo in July 2018. He has scored 128 goals and added 100 assists in that time while winning three La Liga titles and the Champions League twice.<\/p>\n Last season, he scored 22 goals across all competitions as Madrid finished a second consecutive season without a major trophy \u2014 coming second in La Liga, eight points behind Barcelona.<\/p>\n Vinicius Jr has made 375 appearances for Madrid, registering 128 goals and 100 assists. He has helped the club to three La Liga titles and won the Champions League twice.<\/p>\n How big is a renewal for Real Madrid?<\/p>\n Analysis from Real Madrid correspondent Mario Cortegana<\/p>\n A renewal has always been seen as the most logical outcome given that the priority for Madrid and Vinicius Jr has always been to stay together.<\/p>\n There have been periods of significant distance between the parties, with months passing without any negotiations or signs of a rapprochement. Talks first started in January 2025.<\/p>\n For Madrid, this is a major coup to retain one of the world\u2019s best players, as well as a major commercial icon.<\/p>\n The financial and reputational factors are also be significant. Madrid were hoping not to lose one of their biggest stars for a fee below market value this year, or for free next summer. In doing so, they also prevent a direct rival in Europe \u2014 Arsenal, runners-up in last season\u2019s Champions League and semi-finalists two editions ago \u2014 from strengthening their squad.<\/p>\n Would Vini Jr. be worth it for Arsenal?<\/p>\n JJ Bull<\/p>\n It also comes with risk.<\/p>\n The disappointing results of the past two seasons have put everyone at Madrid under immense pressure, including Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian has been booed by the Bernabeu crowd in recent months, and some supporters have not been in favour of him extending and receiving a pay rise.<\/p>\n It is easy to imagine that, if he stays and does not start the coming season on the right foot, there would be criticism of both the player and the club for awarding him that.<\/p>\n Still, this is an excellent move for Vinicius Jr. He secures an upgraded contract that enhances his standing both within and outside the club. In addition to that, he has the opportunity to continue developing as part of the super-team Madrid are building.<\/p>\n It also shows he is drawn to the challenge of shining under Mourinho this season \u2014 despite the 63-year-old\u2019s comments about him earlier this season.<\/p>\n Real Madrid\u2019s Champions League trip to Benfica on February 17 was stopped after Vinicius Jr alleged Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni racially abused him. Prestianni denied the allegation and was subsequently banned by UEFA and FIFA after admitting using a homophobic (rather than racist) slur against the Madrid forward.<\/p>\n On the night, Mourinho suggested Vinicius Jr had incited the incident. In comments made to Amazon Prime, he seemed to blame him for provoking the regular racist abuse he has suffered in recent years.<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Vinicius-Junior_player_roles_2025-26.png\")
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