Arsenal believe Vinicius Junior deal is possible as Real Madrid contract talks reach decisive stage

Arsenal are increasingly confident they can sign Vinicius Junior, with reports in Spain suggesting the club’s players believe a move for the Real Madrid forward could be completed during the current transfer window.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, the mood inside Arsenal’s dressing room reflects a growing expectation that Vinicius will join the club. Arsenal’s hierarchy is understood to be confident it has the financial strength and sporting case required to persuade the Brazil international to make what would be one of the biggest transfers in English football.

Mikel Arteta is leading the effort to secure the deal. The Arsenal manager has reportedly outlined the role Vinicius would play in his side, while attempting to convince him that a move to the Premier League would represent the ideal next step if he chooses to bring his Real Madrid career to an end.

Arsenal are believed to have the resources to finance the transfer and a strong desire to reach an agreement. The situation has become more complicated because negotiations over a new contract between Vinicius and Real Madrid have stalled.

The 24-year-old’s current deal with the Spanish club expires in fewer than 11 months. Financial differences remain the main obstacle to an extension, with reports claiming Real Madrid do not intend to meet all the demands made by the player and his representatives.

Real Madrid officials recognise that Arsenal’s interest is genuine rather than simply an attempt to put pressure on the club. However, they are waiting for Vinicius to make his position on a new contract clear before deciding whether to open formal negotiations with the Premier League side.

At an expected meeting with the player, Real Madrid officials are set to make it clear that there is no longer room for the discussions to continue indefinitely. The club’s position is that Vinicius must sign a new agreement on its terms if he is to remain at Santiago Bernabeu, reflecting the long-standing principle of “no-one is bigger than the club”.

Arsenal’s financial position strengthens their case. The London club has moved beyond the financial difficulties that followed their relocation to Emirates Stadium and has become one of the biggest spenders in the transfer market.

Arsenal spent 293m euros during last summer’s transfer window, after investing 240m euros in the summer of 2024. Their spending so far this summer is understood to be about 80m euros, following the arrivals of Piero Hincapie, Christos Tzolis and goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

The club’s annual revenue is estimated at about 880m euros, compared with 1.221bn euros for Real Madrid. That financial strength means Arsenal can compete for high-profile signings despite the scale of the transfer fee and salary package that would be required to bring Vinicius to England.

No final decision has yet been made by the player. But the latest developments suggest his future is moving towards a defining stage, with interest from England increasing and Real Madrid waiting to discover whether he will commit to a contract extension or pursue a new challenge outside Spain.