Pedrerol says Arsenal want Vinicius but must sell players
On El Chiringuito, sports journalist Josep Pedrerol said that Arsenal are interested in Vinícius, the Brazilian winger of Real Madrid, although he noted that the English club faces a salary‑cap problem that would force it to sell players in order to make an offer. The statement comes three months after Vinícius signed a contract extension until 2032.
Arsenal's salary obstacle
Pedrerol said on El Chiringuito, with the tag #ChiringuitoVinicius, “Arsenal like Vinicius”. He added that the English club has a problem with the salary cap and would have to sell players in order to make an offer.
The programme did not mention any offer or contacts between the clubs. Pedrerol based his analysis on two ideas: that Arsenal want the winger but cannot afford him without lightening the squad, and that the Brazilian is on a higher salary scale.
In October, the outlet reported that Vinícius earns €25 million net per season, a figure that places him alongside Kylian Mbappé at the top of Real Madrid's salary scale. Any club that acquires him would have to assume that wage in addition to the transfer fee.
During the summer, Arsenal was the club that was heard the most while negotiations with Real Madrid remained stalled, according to the English press. On 6 August, Real Madrid officially confirmed Vinícius's contract extension until 30 June 2032, five years longer than the previous deal, which expired in 2027.
Contract and future prospects
That extension removed the scenario Real Madrid feared: losing the Brazilian for free in the summer of 2027. On the same day, the club completed the signing of Yan Diomandé, leaving Arsenal with no room for a possible deal.
At the end of September Vinícius had scored one goal in eight matches and Diomandé, signed for the right flank, has taken the left‑wing position in José Mourinho's eleven. Mourinho restored his starting place in Athens against AEK in the Champions League, and Thibaut Courtois later came out to publicly back him.
The internal competition will increase in January when Rodrygo is expected to return from his cruciate ligament injury. With a contract until 2032, any move would have to go through Real Madrid's board, and the club has not responded to Pedrerol's comments.