Arsenal prepare fresh move for Vinicius Junior as Real Madrid questions grow

Arsenal remain determined to sign Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior and are increasingly confident they can revive their pursuit of the Brazil international next summer.

According to Football Transfers, people close to Arsenal now view a move for the left-winger as a realistic prospect rather than a distant possibility. The club believe their sporting project could still persuade Vinicius to begin a new chapter in the Premier League.

Arsenal tried to sign the player during the previous summer transfer window but failed to convince him to leave Real Madrid. Vinicius instead stayed in the Spanish capital and agreed a new contract running until 2032.

The decision did not end Arsenal’s interest. Rather than spend heavily on an alternative in whom they were not fully convinced, the London club kept their resources available in case another opportunity arose.

Vinicius’ position under scrutiny

Vinicius’ new contract has not prevented questions about his long-term future at Real Madrid. He has yet to produce the level of performance expected of him this season, while the significant financial terms of his agreement have added to the debate over whether his displays justify his continued status at the club.

His position has also come under greater scrutiny after Real Madrid’s recent successes under Jose Mourinho came largely during the forward’s absence. Vinicius missed four La Liga matches through suspension before the international break.

He is now at risk of losing his starting place to new arrival Yan Diomande, the Ivorian forward who is attempting to establish himself in the team. That competition could prompt Real Madrid to reassess Vinicius’ role.

Vinicius scored twice for Brazil in their 3-2 defeat by Japan, a performance that may provide a psychological lift when he returns to his club. However, it has not removed the concerns about his form for Real Madrid.

Arsenal believe the gap between Vinicius’ standing and his impact on the pitch could make a departure more conceivable, particularly if he fails to regain a central role in the coaching staff’s plans.

Arteta still wants his target

Mikel Arteta continues to regard Vinicius as a priority and is not thought to be ready to abandon the pursuit. Football Transfers points to Martin Zubimendi’s arrival at Arsenal in 2025, following several years of interest, as evidence that Arteta is willing to wait for a player he considers right for his project rather than settle for a less suitable alternative.

Sources close to Arsenal believe the club could complete a deal as early as next summer, drawing confidence from the previous negotiations. The report says Arsenal considered themselves the most attractive option for Vinicius and would have been his only viable destination had he not renewed his Real Madrid contract.

One representative of the player reportedly said Arsenal had “rolled out the red carpet” during their efforts to sign him.

The club also have the financial strength and profile to pursue a transfer of this scale, while they could present Vinicius as a leading figure in both their sporting and commercial plans. Michael Yormark, president of Roc Nation Sports International, has highlighted Arsenal’s appeal, reinforcing the belief that they can compete with Real Madrid for the player.

Arsenal are not expected to make a move in January, with a transfer unlikely before the summer at the earliest. Vinicius’ status may shape the club’s winter planning, however, as they do not want to sign a left-winger simply to increase squad numbers unless injuries create an urgent need.

The Brazilian remains Arsenal’s main target as the club monitors developments in Madrid and waits for the conditions to reopen talks.