Arsenal have not been deterred by early setbacks in their bid to sign Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid, with the Premier League champions now preparing a club-record offer for the Brazil international.
The Gunners have had a frustrating start to the transfer window, securing only winger Christos Tzolis and back-up goalkeeper Illan Meslier since ending a 22-year title drought. They missed out on top target Morgan Rogers, who joined Chelsea in a British record £117m deal, and have been frustrated in attempts to sign Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes. A move for Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez also stalled due to the player's reluctance to return to the Premier League and desire to join Barcelona.
Vinicius Junior Emerges as Prime Target
Arsenal have now turned their attention to Vinicius, who has just 12 months left on his Real Madrid contract. Talks are planned in the coming week, with the player's primary objective understood to be finding a resolution. However, manager Jose Mourinho, in his second spell at the Bernabeu, is reportedly determined not to allow Vinicius to join Arsenal under any circumstances.
Mourinho is close to completing the signing of RB Leipzig's Yan Diomiande, but the Ivory Coast international's arrival is said to have no impact on Vinicius's future.
Arsenal Prepared to Smash Wage Structure
Rather than be put off by obstacles, Arsenal are preparing a club-record offer to convince Vinicius of their ambition. Bukayo Saka was handed a new £350,000-a-week deal midway through last season, but the club is willing to go significantly higher. Vinicius currently earns £400,000 per week, but Arsenal are prepared to exceed that and break their existing wage structure, according to the Telegraph.
