Arsenal target Vinicius Junior will not return to Real Madrid training this week as his contract standoff drags on.
The Brazilian winger is entering the final 12 months of his current deal. Standard Sport understands Arsenal have not yet made a formal approach for the player, though they are reportedly prepared to offer him a lucrative contract to tempt him away from the Spanish capital, where he has been since 2018.
Contract talks stall
Negotiations over a new deal for Vinicius broke down last season. Real Madrid remain keen to secure him on a long-term extension, with talks expected to resume in the coming days. However, the Brazilian is not expected to report for pre-season training until his future is resolved.
He had been due back at Valdebebas by the end of the month, but he will stay away from the club's training ground until a new contract is signed.
Vinicius leaning towards staying
Vinicius is reportedly leaning towards extending his Real Madrid contract rather than engineering a move this summer. The difference between his wage demands and the club's offer is not believed to be large, though it remains unclear whether either side will compromise.
New Real head coach Jose Mourinho is not willing to let him leave the club.
Arsenal's summer plans
Arsenal are expected to push for a marquee signing this summer after missing out on Morgan Rogers to Chelsea. Vinicius' wage demands could be a sticking point; he currently earns around £400,000 per week and is seeking a pay rise.
Real Madrid are also close to a deal for winger Yan Diomande, but his potential arrival is not expected to affect Vinicius' future given the Ivorian's versatility across the front three.
