Real Madrid have made Vinicius Jr an improved contract offer in a bid to fend off interest from Arsenal. Vinicius, 26, has entered the final year of his current deal in Madrid and the Gunners are willing to offer him a lucrative move to London.
Arsenal's pursuit
Arsenal would be willing to make the Brazilian their highest-paid player and boss Mikel Arteta is believed to have spoken to him. On Wednesday, talks between Vinicius' camp, Real general director Jose Angel Sanchez and chief scout Juni Calafat took place.
The two parties had previously been far apart in negotiations, with Vinicius demanding an eye-watering salary of €28m (£24m). According to The Athletic, Real have now raised their offer to a level which they believe reflects the forward's importance.
Decision time
Vinicius' decision on the proposal will either bring an end to the saga over his future or let it rumble on. Should no agreement be found, Real would have to decide whether to sell him this summer or risk letting him leave as a free agent next year.
If Vinicius does stay at the La Liga giants, he'll be owed a substantial loyalty bonus which is reportedly worth around £9m. New Real manager Jose Mourinho wants the 26-year-old to stay, as he aims to make a successful return to the Bernabeu.
On Tuesday, Vinicius gave an interview to Real Madrid TV about working under Mourinho. "It has gone very well, getting to know the new coach and the new players, and training very hard," he said. "Mourinho wants me to be as I have always been: happy, cheerful and playing my football."
Arsenal's summer so far
Mikel Arteta could be asked about Arsenal's pursuit of Vinicius when his side face Real Betis in a friendly in Dublin on Wednesday. It comes after Arsenal agreed a £75m deal with Newcastle for Bruno Guimaraes, Vinicius' international team-mate.
The Gunners beat Girona 4-1 in their opening pre-season friendly thanks to goals from Kai Havertz, Christos Tzolis, Max Dowman and Gabriel Jesus. Tszolis remains Arsenal's only outfield signing so far, with the Greek winger joining from Club Brugge for £34m.
Arteta has also welcomed a new goalkeeper. French shot-stopper Illan Meslier arrived on a free transfer, having been released by Leeds.
After playing Betis, Arsenal will host two friendlies at the Emirates against Borussia Dortmund and Como. Their first game of the season will be the Community Shield against Manchester City, who Arsenal pipped to the Premier League title last term.
The Gunners kick-off their league campaign by facing newly-promoted Coventry at home on Friday, August 21. Arteta's side then travel to Aston Villa.
