Arsenal is looking at a possible deal for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior. Meanwhile, Real Madrid is said to be ramping up efforts to sign RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande.
On Saturday, Sky Sports News reported that Arsenal and Real Madrid have not spoken directly about Vinicius. But the Premier League club's interest is real.
Vinicius is just one of several forwards Arsenal is considering. Others include Julian Alvarez, Diomande, and Bradley Barcola.
Vinicius, who is 26 years old, is in the final year of his contract with Real Madrid. If they cannot agree on a new contract, the club might sell him. They do not want to lose the Brazilian for free next summer.
This situation is also tied to Real Madrid's focus on Diomande. Reports say that the Spanish club had an £85.4m bid turned down by RB Leipzig for the 19-year-old Ivorian winger. Liverpool and Arsenal are also interested in him.
Yahoo Sports reported that these events could help Arsenal's chances of signing Vinicius. The Brazilian might be open to moving if Real Madrid secures a deal for Diomande as his replacement.
Real Madrid's chase for Diomande is said to be getting stronger. TalkSPORT reported that the club is pushing to sign the winger after their first bid was rejected.
The report mentioned that Diomande originally wanted to move to Paris Saint-Germain. But since there is no deal yet between PSG and Leipzig, Madrid has a chance to go after him.
Peter Smith from Sky Sports called a potential move for Vinicius a "jaw-dropping addition" for Arsenal.
"It’s well known Arsenal are aiming to strengthen their left-wing options this summer. But a deal for Brazil ace Vinicius Junior would be a jaw-dropping addition," Smith said.
"Vinicius Jr has one year left on his current Real Madrid contract, so this could be the window of opportunity for potential suitors to make their move as Real tries to tie the winger down to a new deal."
Vinicius was a runner-up in the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting. He is seen as one of Real Madrid’s top attacking players.
He has also been chosen as one of the club's captains for the new season, according to Brazilian outlet ge. They reported he would wear the armband when Federico Valverde is absent.
The report added that Vinicius' relationship with new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has been in the spotlight.
"However, it is understood the player and head coach have been in touch since an incident last season where Vinicius Jr was abused by Mourinho’s Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni. They are ready to start this new campaign together with a clean slate."
"But with Arsenal’s interest being reported, there is now the possibility Vinicius Jr will be kicking off the 2026/27 season in the Premier League," the report said.
Arsenal is looking to boost their left-wing options this summer. The club sold Leandro Trossard to Besiktas for £17m and signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34m. Gabriel Martinelli scored only one Premier League goal last season.
Arsenal's interest in Vinicius is still at an early stage. There has been no direct contact between the clubs, while Diomande is being chased by Real Madrid and has also caught the attention of Arsenal and Liverpool.
A move for Diomande could affect the transfer market around Vinicius, but no deal has been finalized for either player.
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