Keep an eye on Monday in the Vinicius Jr saga – opinion

In partnership with

Just Arsenal News

·1 Agustus 2026

Keep an eye on Monday in the Vinicius Jr saga – opinion

This Friday was always going to provide potential indications regarding Arsenal’s transfer rumours.

Players who featured at the World Cup have been reporting back for pre-season at various times, depending on when their country was knocked out of the tournament.

Video OneFootball

Most of the Brazilians were scheduled to return over the last couple of days, which is relevant to the Gunners because they have been linked with two of their nation’s biggest stars.

Bruno Guimaraes was scheduled to be on Newcastle’s flight to Spain. His last-minute change of travel plans only strengthened the belief that he’s about to join the Premier League champions.

But what about his countryman?

Vinicius Jr’s return has also been delayed

It’s still viewed that the chances of Vinicius Jr moving to the Emirates this summer are unlikely.

Media in England and Spain maintain that both the player and Real Madrid want to find a compromise regarding a contract extension. Yet both parties agreeing to extend his holiday until Monday isn’t the action of those in a rush to get a solution sorted.

In fact, while both sides try to persuade the other to accept their demands, they are being quite aggressive towards each other.

The 26-year-old was originally due back for training on 31 July, with the day pencilled in as a reintegration process for those returning from international duty.

The club’s official line is that they are content for their employee to take the weekend off.

Yet they were given little choice, not asked but told by the player’s representatives that he wouldn’t be back in the Spanish capital this week.

(Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Could Monday prove significant?

Some could interpret that as a player going on strike, refusing to train until his future is resolved. That’s how it will be viewed if he still hasn’t at least shown his face by next week.

Are his agents trying to give Florentino Perez an ultimatum? Give in to their client’s wishes, or he goes AWOL?

The president hasn’t made those accusations yet, knowing it would impact the player’s potential transfer value if the world found out there had been a falling-out.

Plus, his preference is to find some middle ground in negotiations, so he wants to show he can be flexible.

That stance could change next week, which is why it has been leaked that the new offer on the table is the last one and that the Spanish giants will not be pressured into going beyond their budget.

So while everyone is aware of the need to remain respectful and civilised, there is increasingly an undertone that both sides are letting the other know who holds the power.

Which isn’t ideal when you want the other party to sign a document worth millions.

This could be a Gooner indulging in wishful thinking, but surely if an individual’s desire is to find a resolution at their current workplace, they would want to meet their bosses as soon as possible?

Why Arsenal could truly sign Vinicius this summer

Keep an eye on Monday!

Dan Smith

Do you think Monday could be a significant day in Vinicius Jr’s future, or will the contract saga continue? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ ADMIN COMMENT

So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….

You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.

CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…