Arsenal line up shock move for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior | OneFootball

The future of Vinicius Junior at Real Madrid could be set to take another twist in the coming weeks, as interest grows in the 26-year-old winger. Liverpool have already expressed an interest in signing him this summer, but as of right now, they look to be behind Premier League champions Arsenal.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Arsenal have started working towards signing Vinicius during this summer’s transfer window. Their interest is in its early stages, but after holding talks with the Brazil international’s entourage, the decision has been made to make a serious attempt towards bringing him to North London. At this stage, there have been no club-to-club talks with Real Madrid, although the likelihood is that these will come if the player shows a willingness to move to the Emirates Stadium.

Exit door will be opened if contract renewal cannot be agreed

As per the report, Real Madrid are clear that they will not allow Vinicius to leave the club as a free agent. His current contract expires at the end of next season, and while there has been confidence that an agreement will eventually come, nothing can be guaranteed during upcoming talks between the club and the winger’s representatives.

Arsenal’s chances of signing Vinicius rest entirely on these upcoming contract talks. If an agreement cannot be struck, it would open the door for a move to be made, although Real Madrid will be keen to get as much as possible for one of their star players, even though they know that their negotiating position would not be strong.

Vinicius will soon return to Real Madrid to begin his preparations for the 2026-27 season, although it remains to be seen whether he sticks around at the Bernabeu come the end of the summer. Head coach Jose Mourinho wants him to stay, although the final decision will ultimately be made by those at boardroom level.