Arsenal are investigating the possibility of landing Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr in what would be one of the most eye-catching transfers of the summer window.
According to reports, the idea of pursuing the Brazilian has been given the green light “at all levels” within the Premier League champions’ hierarchy.
No direct discussions between the two clubs have taken place at this stage, however.
The 26-year-old finds himself with just 12 months remaining on his current deal at the Bernabeu, placing Real Madrid in a difficult position.
Vinicius Jr has been linked with a move to Arsenal
| REUTERS
Should fresh terms not be agreed, the Spanish club may prefer to sell rather than watch one of football’s most gifted attackers depart on a free transfer next summer.
The north London club have already been active this window, completing the signing of Greek winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge in a £34m deal.
That arrival followed the departure of Leandro Trossard, who joined Besiktas for £17m.
Strengthening their options on the left flank is a clear priority for Mikel Arteta’s side. Gabriel Martinelli, the main alternative in that position, managed just a single Premier League goal during the previous campaign.
Vinicius Jr is not the only attacker on Arsenal’s radar. Julian Alvarez, Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola are also understood to be players of interest as the club weighs up how best to enhance their forward line following their title-winning season.
Despite Arsenal’s interest, the player himself has previously signalled a strong preference for remaining in Spain.
Vinicius Jr is one of the best players in the world
| GETTY
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo earlier this year, Vinicius Jr said: “I’ve never imagined myself away from Real Madrid. I enjoy every moment I spend here because this is my dream club.”
He also stressed he felt no urgency over extending his terms.
“I’m not in a hurry to renew my contract,” he said. “Madrid are calm, I’m calm. The president trusts me and I trust him. That’s all there is to it.”
The forward added that his ambition was to spend the remainder of his playing days at the Bernabeu.
“I want to stay here for the rest of my life, but I’m still not in a hurry to renew my contract,” he stated.
Mikel Arteta is desperate to sign a marquee star | REUTERS
The 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up is presently on holiday after featuring prominently for Brazil at the World Cup, where he netted four times across five matches before his side fell to Norway at the last-16 stage.
At club level, Vinicius Jr contributed 22 goals in all competitions last term, though Real Madrid endured a second consecutive season without silverware.
His working relationship with newly appointed head coach José Mourinho has attracted scrutiny.
An incident last season involving abuse directed at Vinicius Jr by Mourinho’s former Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni cast a shadow, but the pair are reported to have been in contact since and are understood to be prepared to begin the new campaign with no lingering tension.
