Mansion Sports – According to Spanish newspaper AS, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made initial contact with the Brazil international.

Arteta is reportedly believed to have convinced Vinicius Jr. that he is Arsenal’s primary target and that a new project in London, should the transfer happen, would be built around him.

After returning to Madrid following his holiday after the Club World Cup on Sunday, Vinicius is expected to hold discussions with new manager Jose Mourinho in the coming days to explain his intentions.

Madrid are reportedly seeking a quick decision from the 26-year-old. His options have now narrowed down to two possibilities: extending his contract at Real Madrid or moving to Arsenal this summer.

Los Blancos want to avoid a situation where the Brazilian leaves on a free transfer in 2027 when his current contract expires.

For around the past year and a half, the question of whether Vinicius would extend his contract at Santiago Bernabeu has remained a major topic of discussion.

The winger is still widely considered to see his future with Los Blancos, but negotiations have encountered financial obstacles.

Various reports have continued to provide different views on how difficult those obstacles will be to overcome. According to the latest report from The Athletic, the positions between the club and the player remain significantly apart.

Vinicius Junior Reportedly Requests Signing Bonus from Real Madrid

Since spring 2025, Vinicius’ representatives have reportedly been pushing for a contract package worth almost €30 million per year in total.

The package is also said to include a signing bonus, which The Athletic reports has become the main point of disagreement because Real Madrid are reportedly unwilling to approve the request.

This is where Arsenal have entered the situation. According to The Athletic, The Gunners have taken advantage of the uncertainty surrounding Vinicius’ future over recent months to quietly explore the possibility of a major transfer.

English media outlets have recently reported collectively that Arsenal are planning a record-breaking offer for Vinicius and want to make the dribbling specialist the highest-paid player in the club’s history.

Arsenal Must Prepare Significant Funds to Sign Vinicius

Nevertheless, Vinicius is unlikely to arrive at a low cost. Although his contract now only runs until next summer, Real Madrid are still reportedly demanding a transfer fee of no less than €150 million if Vinicius decides not to extend his agreement.