Arsenal make Vinicius their No. 1 target even as he still hopes to resolve Real Madrid contract issue | OneFootball

Vinicius Jr. is officially in the final year of his Real Madrid contract, and the situation is creating serious tension within the Spanish club’s administration.

Real Madrid have attempted to hold fresh talks with the player, but the two parties continue to be far off from reaching any form of agreement. The club are still prioritising his continuity, but know well that they stand the risk of losing him on a free transfer next season.

If no agreement is reached before the end of the transfer window, Vinicius will likely be free to negotiate a transfer as a free agent after January.

The Merengues’ efforts, thus, are directed towards an immediate settlement – either as a departure or a renewal.

Arsenal stand as the potential destination

As confirmed by the BBC in a recent update, and reported widely over the past week, Arsenal have identified Vinicius Jr. as a target for this summer, especially after missing out on Morgan Rogers. 

Arteta sees Vinicius as his priority target. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta has him labelled as the club’s top transfer target, although they are aware of the practicality of the deal and how it will be difficult to oust the talisman from Real Madrid.

Any transfer to bring Vinicius to London is expected to require a British-record fee and will have to beat Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool which cost £125 million (close to €150 million). His wages, further, will be far higher than Arsenal’s current salary-bill structure.

Arsenal, however, believe they are financially stable enough to accommodate even a salary hike over Vinicius’ current £400,000 a week and consider a favourable image-rights agreement a part of the package.

Notably, even Saudi Arabian clubs are in the mix and could make a move if Vinicius is open to the possibility.

Vinicius’ preference

The English outlet also reinforces that the Brazilian player wants to stay at Real Madrid if possible and just wants to ‘feel loved’ through the offer made to him.

Vinicius wants to stay. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

He is receptive to negotiations and a renewal and sees it to be difficult to leave the club given their legacy, prestige and the commercial benefits that come with being a Real Madrid player.

The player is in a strong negotiating position given his contractual situation, and the administration will be the ones under growing pressure with every passing day. His demands are clear – wages proportionate to his growing importance on the side.

While Arsenal believe they can afford the deal, Vinicius knows that a move will involve him giving up the title of being a ‘Real Madrid player,’ something that means a lot to him. Leaving, thus, appears difficult for the star.

The coming weeks will be critical in deciding if he renews, leaves or stays without renewing. The third scenario is indeed risky for the club, but it is something they are growing to accept as a harsh reality.