Vinicius Jr has agreed a new contract with Real Madrid, ending Arsenal's hopes of signing the player. The Athletic report that the Brazil forward has agreed terms on an improved deal after talks with the Spanish club on Wednesday. An official announcement is expected soon.
Arsenal's pursuit ends
Arsenal had identified the 26-year-old as a leading transfer target and were prepared to make a significant move if he became available, but Vinicius Jr has decided to stay put. The report adds that the package proposed to Vinicius Jr on Wednesday reflects his importance to the club and their project.
The Brazilian was said to be asking for around €30million a year, plus an improvement in image rights. His current terms, which expire next summer, are worth €17.5m annually. Reports in Spain suggest a compromise worth around €25m a year in salary has been agreed.
Arsenal move on
The Athletic report that Vinicius Jr was open to joining Arsenal should he fail to agree a new contract. Arsenal are said to have already moved on from their pursuit of the Brazilian, and have identified alternative attacking targets. The Daily Mail report that the Gunners have been monitoring several options while pushing to convince the Real Madrid striker to sign.
Mikel Arteta remains keen to strengthen his attacking options before the transfer window closes, with a versatile left-sided forward the priority. Bruno Guimaraes is set to be announced as the club's fourth summer signing, before focus fully turns to bolstering the club's attack. Left winger Christos Tzolis has already joined, in a deal worth around £34million, but Arteta remains determined to sign a player capable of starting in his attack.
