Arsenal step up for Vinícius as Real Madrid refuse signing on bonus | OneFootball

Vinícius is due back at Real Madrid pre-season this week after facial harmonisation and chin surgery in Goiania, but his future remains unresolved.

El Periódico Mediterráneo reports that the forward and his representatives at Roc Nations Sports, led by Jay-Z, delayed renewal talks to reach his final season and demand a signing on bonus equal to those paid to free arrivals such as Mbappé, Rudiger, Alexander-Arnold and Konaté.

Florentino Pérez has refused to pay any bonus, keeping only an improved contract on the table, and talks have cooled. Madrid, hardened by past stand-offs involving Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo, are not shifting.

Arsenal have told his camp he is a priority for Mikel Arteta this window, with sporting director Andrea Berta waiting for Madrid to place him on the market before bidding. Arteta has approved the move to bolster their Premier League title defence, and London would welcome him.

Suggestions in Madrid that his demands have softened are disputed, with the player seen as one of football’s leading endorsement earners. He held up to 16 deals during the World Cup, even ahead of Mbappé. The club insist no player is above Real Madrid.

Madrid are expected to announce Yan Diomande from RBLeipzig soon, with an agreement in place pending final details. The Ivorian can operate on either flank, which would offset a potential Vinícius exit.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo