Arsenal are exploring the possibility of making a sensational move for Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, according to reports from Sky Sports and The Athletic.
The Gunners are keen to make a statement signing this summer as they look to strengthen their attack, with Julian Alvarez, Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola among the players previously linked with a move to north London.
However, interest in Vinicius represents a completely different level of ambition.
Diomande is also attracting significant interest, with Liverpool understood to be among his admirers, while PSG, Manchester City and Arsenal have also been linked with the RB Leipzig winger. Real Madrid have reportedly made an £85m bid for the highly-rated forward.
There has been no direct contact between Arsenal and Real Madrid over a potential deal for Vinicius, according to Sky Sports, but the interest from the Premier League champions is believed to be genuine.
The Athletic reports that Arsenal are closely monitoring the situation surrounding Vinicius’ contract at the Bernabeu, with the Brazilian yet to agree an extension with the Spanish giants.
The 26-year-old has been at Real Madrid since 2018, when he joined the club from Brazilian side Flamengo, and has established himself as one of the most important players in the squad.
With his current contract situation yet to be resolved, Real Madrid could face a major decision over his future. Should negotiations fail to reach an agreement, Sky Sports reports that the Spanish club could consider selling Vinicius rather than risk losing him for free when his contract expires.
Arsenal’s interest comes as they continue to assess their options on the left side of their attack. Leandro Trossard has already departed, while there are also suggestions that the club could be open to allowing Gabriel Martinelli to leave.
The Gunners have already added attacking reinforcements, with Christos Tzolis arriving from Club Brugge, but the potential signing of Vinicius would represent a huge statement of intent.
Jose Mourinho’s arrival at the Bernabeu could also have an impact on the situation. The Portuguese manager and Vinicius are reportedly on better terms after previously experiencing tensions following an incident involving Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni last season, when Mourinho was in charge of the Portuguese side.
According to Sky Sports, contract talks between Vinicius and Real Madrid are currently being held up by wage demands. The Brazil international is reportedly seeking a net salary of €30m per year, while Madrid are understood to be negotiating around €20m.
Sky Sports reporter Peter Smith said Arsenal are known to be looking to strengthen on the left wing this summer, but described a move for Vinicius as a “jaw-dropping addition”.
Vinicius has enjoyed a successful spell at Real Madrid since his arrival in 2018 and scored 22 goals last season, despite the Spanish giants ending the campaign without a major trophy.
A move to Arsenal would undoubtedly rank among the most spectacular transfers in Premier League history, but with no club-to-club contact currently taking place, there remains a long way to go before any potential deal can be considered close.