Vinicius Jr opens talks as Arsenal set firm stance and get transfer incentive
Arsenal have made Vinicius Junior their top target after missing out on Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, deeming his expiring Real Madrid contract a market opportunity
Vinicius Junior will hold talks with Real Madrid to decide his future(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior have reopened contract talks ahead of the Brazil international beginning pre-season training.
Vinicius, 26, has missed the first fortnight of work with Madrid’s new-old head coach, Jose Mourinho, due to having three weeks off after playing for Brazil at the World Cup. Days before his return to their training complex in Valdebebas, Arsenal’s interest has emerged publicly, and sources have confirmed to football.london that it is very real, with Vinicius their leading target.
The forward entered the final 12 months of his current deal this summer. Vinicius, therefore, could sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs from New Year’s Day.
However, the Gunners are willing to make it happen financially this summer if a deal is possible. The feasibility of doing business depends on whether both parties reach an agreement on a contract renewal.
Reports in Spain have become increasingly confident about Madrid striking a deal with the Brazilian since Arsenal’s transfer interest emerged. Diario AS: “All roads lead to the renewal of Vinicius”.
The Madrid-based daily sports newspaper acknowledge that “it remains to be seen what attitude and decisions will be made around Vinicius”. They add that Madrid “want to solve his continuity or departure from the club quickly”.
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They also note that “extending his current situation, with the contract in the countdown, is something that clashes with the idea of the leaders”. However, they have made it clear that Madrid and Vinicius both have the same priority: renewing his contract.
Both parties are said to have come so close to an agreement last summer that it was taken for granted, given the narrow gap in negotiations. Vinicus reportedly lowered his wage demands after last summer’s Club World Cup.
Talks were reputedly at a very advanced stage before negotiations abruptly ended. Ultimately, neither were willing to give in just enough to close on a deal.
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Vinicius is reported to be asking for an annual pay rise of around £4million, which would make his net salary roughly £17million. Under the United Kingdom’s 45% additional tax bracket, he would have to be paid around £600,000 per week to take home that amount.
That would be approximately double what Bukayo Saka is currently on, inclusive of bonuses. However, it is believed that Vinicius’ weekly wage demands are actually around £500,000.
Arsenal will have to hope that claims Vinicius “will make it easy” for Madrid to renew his contract do not come to fruition. Any unsuccessful negotiations would only give the Gunners extra incentive to pursue the Brazilian.
