Real Madrid see Arsenal as the only viable destination for attacker amid renewal delay | OneFootball

With each passing day, the future of Vinicius Jr. looks far from the Santiago Bernabeu, with his contract expiring at the end of next season.

The two parties have been in talks over a renewal for a while now, but the player’s demands are still far off from what the club are willing to offer.

That has led to widespread speculation over Vinicius’ future and it won’t be surprising to see the Brazilian ending up leaving the club this summer.

Real Madrid see Arsenal as a destination

According to ESPN, Real Madrid see Arsenal as the only destination for Vinicius if the player does not renew his contract at Santiago Bernabeu.

Vinicius may yet leave Real Madrid. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

The Gunners are said to be genuinely interested in the Brazilian and have been exploring whether a move would even be feasible for them financially.

For now, though, the situation is described as being at a very tentative stage, with no concrete steps taken as yet. The player, for his part, is expected to return to Madrid next week.

The interest is understandable given Vinicius’ situation. With just one year left on his deal, Real Madrid risk losing one of their prized assets for nothing in 2027, and a sale this summer may become the more sensible option if no agreement is reached.

The Diomande connection

Real Madrid’s growing interest in RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande be viewed directly in the context of the Vinicius saga.

Vinicius Jr. could move to Arsenal this summer. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The young Ivorian has emerged as a target, and his potential arrival would give Los Blancos a ready-made successor should Vinicius depart.

It suggests the club are already quietly preparing for the possibility of life without their number seven.

Any exit would mark the end of a hugely successful chapter. Vinicius joined from Flamengo in 2018 and has gone on to win two Champions Leagues, three LaLiga titles, three Spanish Supercopas and a Copa del Rey.

He also arrives at this crossroads in fine form, having scored four goals in five games for Brazil at the World Cup before their round-of-16 exit to Norway.

For Arsenal, the prospect of landing a player of that calibre is enticing, but much will depend on whether Real Madrid can first convince him to stay.