Vinicius Junior’s potential transfer to Arsenal is not expected this summer after Real Madrid decided that the Brazil international will remain at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The Spanish club have no intention of selling the forward and believe he will agree a new contract.
Sky Sports News reports that Real Madrid are confident of extending Vinicius’ stay, despite his existing deal entering its final year. Further talks between the club and his representatives were scheduled to take place this week.
Vinicius Junior to Arsenal move now unlikely
Arsenal had been monitoring the 26-year-old’s position as they considered adding another leading forward to Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Reports had suggested that the Gunners were preparing an offer. However, Sky Sports maintained that there had been no contact between the clubs and no guarantee that Arsenal’s interest would develop into a formal proposal.
ReadArsenal reported earlier on Tuesday that Arsenal were preparing their first official offer. That prospect now appears to have been ended by Madrid’s refusal to consider a sale.
New Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho regards Vinicius as an important part of his plans. Club president Florentino Perez has also been involved in the discussions surrounding a new long-term agreement.
Vinicius previously said that Real Madrid were his dream club and expressed his desire to remain in Spain. His present contract runs until 30 June 2027.
Arsenal must now consider alternative attacking targets. Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola and Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez are among the players whose situations they have explored.
Sky Sports suggests Barcola could become a more prominent option after informing PSG that he does not intend to sign a new contract. Any Vinicius Junior to Arsenal move, meanwhile, is no longer considered realistic during the current window.
