In what has come as a major development across the English Premier League and La Liga, defending champions Arsenal are exploring a deal for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, in case the Brazil star doesn’t extend his contract, according to a report in The Athletic.
Vinicius, 26, is among multiple attacking footballers being considered by the Premier League champions as they look to strengthen their frontline. But the interest remains at a very early stage, with no guarantee it will develop into a formal move.
No club-to-club talks have taken place yet, but the move has the backing of key decision-makers at Arsenal. Vinicius has entered the final 12 months of his contract after eight seasons at Real Madrid, with negotiations over an extension
yet to produce a breakthrough.
Real Madrid are unlikely to entertain the prospect of losing Vinicius on a free transfer, as he would also be entitled to a substantial loyalty bonus next season. The Brazilian impressed at this summer’s FIFA World Cup, featuring in all five of Brazil’s games and scoring four goals before Carlo Ancelotti’s team were knocked out by Norway in the round of 16.
Vinicius scored 22 goals across all competitions for Real Madrid in the 2025-26 season, but the club endured a second consecutive trophyless campaign, finishing second in La Liga, eight points behind Barcelona.
Vinicius joined Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018 and has since made 375 appearances for the club, scoring 128 goals and providing 100 assists.
Meanwhile, new Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has said that he is on a ‘mission’ to create the right culture at the club during his second spell in charge.
Mourinho was at the club’s training ground earlier this month to oversee preparations for the start of pre-season after being appointed as Alvaro Arbeloa’s successor last month.
Neither Xabi Alonso nor Arbeloa managed to find a system that permitted Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius to play together without upsetting the team’s balance.
