Vini Jr to Arsenal unlocked? Super-quick transfer agreement changes everything

News

Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006

Real Madrid have quietly and surprisingly unlocked the possibility of Vinicius Junior moving to Arsenal this summer.

The future of the Brazilian remains a major talking point in the Spanish capital, with the deadlock surrounding the contract of the 26-year-old ongoing.

The crisis is reaching boiling point. Vini Jr has a year left on his Real Madrid deal, opening the possibility to a summer sale, with Arsenal interested.

Current ETV

Vinícius Júnior

F (CL), M (L)

Real Madrid

Vinícius Júnior

F (CL), M (L)

Real Madrid

€106.9M

ETV Range

€96.2M - €117.6M

View full profile

Real Madrid issue Vini Jr contract ultimatum as Arsenal wait

Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho is fighting to retain the 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up. He has held multiple conversations with Vini in a bid to convince him that he is central to his plans and is vital to the project, Globo reports.

In the meantime, Arsenal are lurking. Mikel Arteta’s side are in the market for a left-winger, with FootballTransfers exclusively revealing that the Gunners are ready to go all-in should the Brazil international give them an indication that he is willing to make the jump to the Premier League.

The Brazilian reports indicate that there has been no direct contact between Arsenal and Vini Jr, but equally Marca states that Madrid do not want the situation to drag on.

“The club has informed Vini’s representatives that the latest renewal offer is final: either he renews on those terms, or they will consider selling him this summer,” it states.

Real Madrid want to avoid losing the former Flamengo winger at all costs.

The surprise Real Madrid signing that unlocked a Vini Jr exit

Mourinho’s side have quietly got themselves into a position whereby they can sell Vini Jr.

They did this with the lightning-quick signing of Carlos Espi earlier this week in a €25 million deal from Levante.

It was a transfer that came seemingly out of nowhere. Espi had been apparently bound for Hull or Brighton in the Premier League, but within hours he was a Real Madrid player, with the Bernabeu side having triggered his release fee.

Although Los Blancos are having difficulties signing Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, with the Bundesliga club frustrating them over the transfer fee, Espi’s arrival gives Mourinho the possibility to rejig his attack without Vini Jr.

Quite simply, Kylian Mbappe would move back to the left wing position that was his favoured role earlier in his career, with the 21-year-old striker providing a more physical threat in the penalty box.

Although Real Madrid would be left short of depth in attack, it is a move that at least provides a workable short-term solution. After all, Espi may not be a big name, but he finished last season as one of the deadliest strikers in La Liga in terms of goals per game.

Los Blancos appreciate that Vini is now far from untouchable, and the way they have moved their pieces in the transfer market this summer suggests they are prepared for him to move to Arsenal.