Arsenal will have to pay a record Premier League transfer fee to sign Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, according to reports. The Gunners have identified the Brazilian as their top target for the left wing, with Mikel Arteta reportedly 'enamoured' with the prospect of signing him.
Contract talks and wage demands
Vinicius's current contract expires next year, and Real Madrid are reportedly willing to sell this summer if a new deal is not agreed. The player's representatives and the club are due for crucial talks this week, but a significant gap remains over salary expectations. Madrid are said to be offering up to €22 million a year (£18.8m), while Vinicius is demanding around €30 million (£25.7m) annually.
If no agreement is reached, Vinicius could leave on a free transfer next summer, but Arsenal may move this summer to secure a blockbuster signing. The north London club have indicated they are willing to break their wage structure to make him the highest-paid player in Premier League history.
Record fee expected
However, Arsenal would also need to pay a record fee. ESPN reports that Real Madrid expects around €150 million (£128.5m) for the 26-year-old, despite his contract having only 12 months left. That would surpass the £125m Liverpool paid Newcastle United for Alexander Isak last summer.
Despite the speculation, Vinicius has returned to pre-season training with Madrid under new boss Jose Mourinho. He told the club's official website: 'Very well, getting to know the new manager, the new players and working really hard in training. He wants me to be just as I've always been – happy, positive and playing my own style of football.'
