Arsenal are reportedly weighing up a blockbuster swoop for Vinicius Junior, with the potential move ‘approved at all levels’ within the club. The newly-crowned Premier League champions are expected to have a busy summer as they look to prepare their squad for a renewed title challenge. They have already signed Piero Hincapie on a permanent basis, in addition to completing moves for Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier.
It’s been reported for some time that Arsenal are keen to sign a new left winger to replace Gabriel Martinelli as the club’s starting option. They are said to be considering a surprise move for Vinicius, who has just entered the final 12 months of his contract at Real Madrid. Widely considered one of the world’s best players, the Brazilian is yet to agree fresh terms at the Bernabeu.
According to The Athletic, club-to-club discussions are yet to take place but the move has already been unanimously approved by Arsenal’s hierarchy.
It’s claimed that Vinicius is at the top of the club’s shortlist to bolster their attack, although their interest is at an early stage and there is no guarantee that a deal will materialise.
A breakthrough has not been reached in contract talks with Real Madrid, meaning he will become a free agent in the summer of 2027 as things stand.
As a result, the Spanish giants face a dilemma over whether to cash in or risk losing him for nothing in a year’s time.
Vinicius impressed during the World Cup, scoring four goals in five games before Brazil were dumped out by Norway in the round of 16.
Last season, he registered 22 goals in all competitions for Real Madrid despite the club failing to win any trophies for the second year in a row.
Quizzed on his future earlier this year, Vinicius hinted that his preference would be to remain with Los Blancos for the rest of his career.
He said: “I’m not in a hurry to renew my contract. I’m tied to the club until 2027, so between now and 2027, there’s still a lot for Madrid and me to discuss.
“Madrid are calm, I’m calm. The president trusts me and I trust him. That’s all there is to it. We just have to wait, live each day and each moment, and enjoy being at the best club in the world.
“I’ve never imagined myself away from Real Madrid. I enjoy every moment I spend here because this is my dream club. I always dreamed of playing here and being able to stay for so long.
“Now I’m one of the captains of the team. Even at such a young age, that’s something very special that doesn’t happen often in football history.
“So I enjoy every moment. I want to stay here for the rest of my life, but I’m still not in a hurry to renew my contract.”