Vinicius Junior did not return to Real Madrid training this week, extending a stand-off over his contract as the Brazil winger draws interest from Arsenal.
Brazil were knocked out of the World Cup at the last-16 stage, and with new manager Jose Mourinho beginning his second spell in charge, Madrid had expected Vinicius back before the end of the month. Instead he is staying away while his representatives try to revive talks on an extension to his contract, which runs out at the end of the coming season.
Real Madrid's position is that Vinicius's future is in his own hands. If he lowers his demands to become joint top earner with Kylian Mbappe, he will stay. If not, the 15-times European Cup winners have no plans to improve their offer, leaving the way clear for Arsenal.
Diomande signing signals Madrid's stance
In a move seen as illustrating that Madrid will not fold to Vinicius's demands, the club moved closer to completing a 100million euro signing of Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig. Diomande is represented by the same agency, Roc Nation, as Vinicius, and gives Mourinho another attacking option in an already crowded forward line.
Talks between Roc Nation and Real Madrid are expected to centre on Vinicius's commercial value to the club, according to Daily Mail Sport. Under his current deal he hands over around 50 per cent of publicity revenue to Madrid. During the World Cup he had sponsorship deals with 15 multinational companies, a number topped only by his Brazil team mate Neymar. Vinicius, 26, has also drawn interest from Saudi Arabia over the past 12 months.
Arsenal weighing multiple forward targets
Vinicius is one of several forward options Arsenal are exploring, alongside Julian Alvarez, Diomande and Bradley Barcola. Liverpool are considered favourites for Barcola, though that could change if Paris Saint-Germain fail to land Diomande, with Madrid leading the race to sign him quickly. Diomande is in the final year of his contract, and Madrid could be willing to sell rather than lose him for free next summer.
A move for Vinicius would be a major coup for Arsenal, though the two clubs have yet to open official talks. Al Ahli offered Vinicius a five year, 1billion euro contract last year. Liverpool were also linked with him earlier in the transfer window but are not competing for a player who earns around 520,000 pounds a week.
Vinicius has scored 128 goals across eight seasons at Real Madrid and narrowly missed out on the 2024 Ballon d'Or, finishing behind Rodri.
Arsenal's other forward moves
Arsenal, meanwhile, are looking to add firepower to their own attack. Gabriel Martinelli has been put up for sale by manager Mikel Arteta, while Leandro Trossard has already been sold to Besiktas. Arsenal confirmed the signing of Greek winger Christos Tzolis for 34million pounds from Club Brugge on Thursday.
