Arsenal circle for Vinicius

Real Madrid have knocked back an approach from Liverpool for Vinicius Junior, but the Premier League champions Arsenal are watching the Brazilian's situation closely as renewal talks at the Bernabeu remain deadlocked, according to reports in Spain and England.

Vinicius, whose contract expires in June 2027, is pushing for terms that would make him Madrid's highest-paid player, while the club is determined to maintain its wage structure, creating a significant gap between the parties. The impasse leaves the winger valued at around €160m, a figure that for now keeps suitors at arm's length.

With Jose Mourinho reshaping his squad, Madrid are reluctant to sanction a sale but wary of losing a prized asset for nothing. If no breakthrough is reached, Madrid may be forced to evaluate a sale rather than risk losing one of their most valuable assets, and interested clubs are positioning themselves to act.