Arsenal interested in Vinicius, says report

Premier League champions Arsenal are monitoring the contract situation of Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior and could make a move if the Brazilian fails to agree a new deal with the Spanish giants, according to The Athletic.

The report said Arsenal view the 26-year-old as one of several options to strengthen their attack, although the club's interest remains at an early stage and no formal approach has been made.

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There have been no club-to-club talks, but The Athletic reported that the idea of pursuing Vinicius has support within Arsenal.

The Brazil international has entered the final 12 months of his contract, with negotiations over an extension yet to produce a breakthrough. Real Madrid are unlikely to want to risk losing one of their star players on a free transfer, particularly as Vinicius would be entitled to a substantial loyalty bonus if he remains at the club next season.

However, according to The Telegraph, Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho is opposed to any departure and has told the club's management he wants to keep all his big stars.

Vinicius enjoyed an impressive FIFA World Cup campaign this summer, scoring four goals in five appearances for Brazil before they were eliminated by Norway in the round of 16.

He also scored 22 goals in all competitions for Real Madrid during the 2025-26 season, although the club finished without a trophy for the second successive year, ending runners-up in La Liga behind Barcelona.

Since joining Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018, Vinicius has made 375 appearances, scoring 128 goals and providing 100 assists.