Arsenal’s bid for Vinicius Jr tests Real Madrid’s renewal gamble

Arsenal are preparing their first official bid for Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr., who currently earns £400,000 a week at Real Madrid, as the 23‑year‑old enters the final year of his contract and faces an improved renewal offer from the Spanish club.

Real Madrid responded with an improved renewal proposal, underscoring the club’s urgency as Vinicius approaches the end of his deal. The 23‑year‑old is widely regarded as one of the world’s best wingers.

It shocked many that Los Blancos allowed the Brazilian to reach the final year without an extension, prompting criticism of the club’s handling. Vinicius is now demanding terms comparable to Kylian Mbappe, leveraging the situation to his advantage.

Real Madrid have refused to further improve the renewal offer and are reportedly open to selling him now. Arsenal have taken a keen interest in the potential transfer.

According to Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal are preparing the first official offer to send to Real Madrid and Vinicius, and his representatives have been told the proposal will arrive shortly. Manager Mikel Arteta has listed Vinicius as a top summer target.

Real Madrid have also sent an improved offer directly to the Brazilian in recent hours, hoping to secure a renewal. The club acknowledges that an economically superior offer from Arsenal could change the negotiation dynamics.

The Premier League record transfer, Alexander Isak’s £125 million move to Liverpool, suggests Vinicius’s fee would need to exceed that amount for a British record to be broken. At £400,000 a week, matching or raising his wages would instantly make him Arsenal’s highest‑paid player, though the Brazilian has indicated a preference to stay at Real Madrid, leaving the final decision uncertain.