Vinicius Junior has told his inner circle he wants to resolve his future this summer so there is no risk of him leaving Real Madrid on a free transfer in 12 months' time. The 26-year-old has just a year remaining on his current contract at the Bernabeu, and Premier League champions Arsenal have been alerted to the situation as they seek to revamp their attack with a world-class talent.
Arsenal's Interest and Vinicius's Priority
Reports on Sunday claimed Arsenal's hierarchy had greenlit the proposed move 'at all levels', with Mikel Arteta 'absolutely smitten' with the idea of bringing the Brazilian to north London. However, Jose Mourinho has made it clear to Madrid's decision-makers that he is vehemently opposed to losing Vinicius ahead of the new season, while the forward himself has 'prioritised' agreeing a renewal with Los Blancos.
The Gunners are prepared to offer Vinicius wages in excess of £350,000-a-week to make the 2024 Ballon d'Or runner-up the highest-paid player at the club. Madrid and Vinicius are planning a fresh round of contract talks once the attacker has returned from his hometown of Sao Goncalo, where he has been enjoying a short break after the World Cup.
Vinicius's Desire to Stay
According to Spanish journalist Tomas Roncero, Vinicius has been telling those close to him that he wants to stay put for the long-term, partly driven by a desire to give back to the club after the 'gamble' they took on him when he was 18. Roncero, editor-in-chief of AS, told Cadena SER's El Larguero programme: 'In recent weeks, he's been saying to those around him that he doesn't want to leave without Real Madrid receiving a single euro: "I can't leave Madrid for free because Madrid took me in when I was 18, from a humble family, with a difficult social and personal situation, and they believed in me." They paid €45m euros when it was just a gamble, a promise, nothing more, "Madrid has given me everything, I can't leave without leaving a single euro in the bank", I'm saying what he's telling his friends.'
Roncero added: 'Maybe his agents are more calculating when it comes to negotiations. But that's what Vinicius is saying, that he can't leave Madrid for free.'
Vinicius's Career at Real Madrid
Vinicius has registered 128 goals and 100 assists in 375 appearances for Madrid since joining from Flamengo in 2017. He has helped Madrid win 14 trophies, including three La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns. Arsenal have already reinforced their attack with the summer addition of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for around £34m, as well as signing goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer and activating their £35m option to permanently sign Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen.
