Transfer tug-of-war: Real Madrid counter Arsenal interest in Vinicius with lucrative proposal | OneFootball

Real Madrid are preparing a new contract offer for Vinicius Junior in a bid to ward off interest from Arsenal.

Vinicius has entered the final 12 months of his contract with the Spanish side, who have failed to find a breakthrough in negotiations over a new deal.

Arsenal have now expressed interest in signing the Brazil winger, as thePremier League champions look to make a statement signing.

According toSky Sports, the Gunners are preparing to table an opening bid for the 26-year-old, despite fears that their interest is being used to help negotiate a new deal in Madrid.

Real Madrid do not want to lose Vinicius and are ready to submit a new counter-proposal in a bid to find an agreement.

The winger has become one of world football's top talents at the Bernabeu, surpassing 30 goals and assists in all competitions in each of the last five campaigns.

Despite the short time remaining on his present deal, Real Madrid are understood to be demanding that any starting offer exceeds €150m (£128m).

That fee would represent a club-record deal for Arsenal, eclipsing Declan Rice's arrival from West Ham in 2023, and set a new British transfer record.

Real Madrid are working on adeal to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig for a fee in excess of €100m. However, the club's pursuit of Diomande is not related to Vinicius's future, with both seen as part of Mourinho's plans for the upcoming campaign. Diomande is due to undergo a medical with the La Liga side this week.