Vinicius Junior contract stalemate gives Arsenal hope as Real Madrid weigh sale

Real Madrid are reportedly prepared to consider allowing Vinicius Junior to leave if the Brazil forward cannot agree a new contract with the club.

Sources told ESPN that Real Madrid have no plans to improve the latest offer made to the 26-year-old in an attempt to extend his current deal. With only one year remaining on his contract, uncertainty over Vinicius’ future is continuing to grow.

Vinicius is due to return to Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex on Monday to begin preparations for the new season. His return follows a period of holiday after his involvement in the World Cup.

However, no date has yet been arranged for further negotiations between Real Madrid officials and the player’s representatives. The Spanish club believes the next decision rests with Vinicius, who must choose whether to accept the proposed renewal or explore a move elsewhere.

A source close to the Brazilian has confirmed that there has been no contact with Arsenal so far. Despite that, ESPN reports that Arsenal are genuinely interested in signing the forward and are currently assessing whether a deal would be practical and worthwhile.

Talks between Real Madrid and Vinicius’ representatives have been deadlocked for a considerable period. ESPN reported last season that the player was in no rush to commit his future and that negotiations were unlikely to advance until after the World Cup had concluded.

Vinicius joined Real Madrid in 2018 and has since developed into one of the leading players in world football. He has scored in two Champions League finals and finished second in the 2024 men’s Ballon d’Or voting.

His position at Real Madrid became less comfortable last season while he worked under former manager Xabi Alonso. Vinicius showed his frustration when he was substituted during the clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid also ended the campaign without winning a major trophy for a second successive year, adding to the wider uncertainty surrounding the club and its squad.

The club have remained active in the summer transfer market, with striker Carlos Espi joining Real Madrid this week. Their recruitment activity comes as the future of one of their most important attacking players remains unresolved.

For now, Arsenal have made no approach and there is no indication that a transfer is close. But Real Madrid’s decision not to increase their renewal proposal means Vinicius’ contract situation could become one of the major issues of the club’s summer.