Arsenal’s interest in bringing Vinicius Jr to the Emirates emerged last week.
Since then, it has been indicated that the Premier League champions are prepared to make Vinicius their highest paid player by some distance.
BBC Sport report that Mikel Arteta has become so ‘smitten’ with the idea that the Brazilian is now viewed internally as the club’s number one target.
The club still have other targets in mind, but right now the focus is really on whether a deal can actually be done for Vinicius.
Drop your instant reaction to Arsenal exploring a move to sign Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are closing in on a deal to sign winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, adding further uncertainty around Vinicius’ future at the Bernabeu.
The most reliable voices covering Madrid have now weighed in on where things stand.
Vinicius Jr is in a serious contract deadlock with Real Madrid
Ramon Alvarez de Mon, a ‘tier two’ Madrid journalist, reports that the gap between Real Madrid and Vinicius in contract talks is approximately €7m net — around €15m gross — per year.
Crucially, this gap has not changed in over 12 months. Both sides have been deadlocked for a long time.
Sergio Valentin, another tier two source, adds that both Vinicius and Madrid want a renewal, but the impasse has dragged on so long that he now believes a sale is the more likely outcome.
Vinicius’ representatives have repeatedly delayed, and the player himself wanted to see whether a strong World Cup would improve his negotiating position. But it didn’t change Madrid’s stance.
Valentin also reports that Madrid have told Vinicius’ entourage directly that if there will be no renewal, he needs to find offers from other clubs.
Only three players are considered untouchable at the Bernabeu: Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde. Not Vinicius.
How much would Vinicius Jr actually cost Arsenal?
Mario Cortegana, the most reliable tier one Madrid journalist covering this story, suggests €100million could be a realistic guide price.
He believes the only way a deal gets done, assuming Vinicius doesn’t renew, is if Madrid lower their demands, as they are desperate to avoid losing him on a free transfer.
What’s the maximum transfer fee and wages you would pay to sign Vinicius Jr for Arsenal?
Cortegana’s interpretation of David Ornstein’s “approval at all levels” line is interesting. He reads it as Arsenal having already contacted Vinicius’ agents directly to discuss the parameters of a deal.
He also notes that Madrid appear to have been spooked by the risk of losing Vinicius, which explains their moves for Rodri and Diomande to prepare for life without him.
The club’s financial situation, with Bellingham and Mbappe’s own renewals looming, means they simply cannot meet Vinicius’ wage demands even if they wanted to.
Ultimately, Cortegena admits he is beginning to have doubts about Vinicius renewing given how Arsenal are moving.
This could actually happen. Get it done, Andrea Berta.
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