Real Madrid have reportedly made an improved contract offer to Vinicius Junior. The Brazil international’s current contract with the Spanish club is set to expire at the end of next season. This development comes as Arsenal is exploring a potential move for the player if he does not extend his stay.
Discussions between Vinicius Junior’s representatives and Real Madrid officials, including general director Jose Angel Sanchez and chief scout Juni Calafat, took place in the Spanish capital on Wednesday. Previously, there were significant financial differences between the two parties, with Vinicius Junior reportedly seeking an annual package around €30million, which included a base salary, performance-related add-ons, and a renewal bonus. The renewal bonus was noted as a key sticking point in negotiations.
While Real Madrid had been unwilling to meet these demands, sources indicate that the club has now increased their offer. This revised offer is said to reflect Vinicius Junior’s importance to the team and its future plans. The player now faces a decision regarding whether to renew his contract, await free agency next summer, or consider the opportunity presented by Arsenal.
Arsenal’s Interest and Player’s Performance
Last week, reports indicated that Arsenal’s ownership had approved moving forward with a potential deal for Vinicius Junior, who is reportedly a top target for the reigning Premier League champions to strengthen their forward line. The 26-year-old recently returned to Real Madrid’s pre-season training after scoring four goals in five appearances at this summer’s World Cup for Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil side.
Vinicius Junior joined Real Madrid from Brazilian club Flamengo in July 2018. The 2025-26 campaign marked his eighth season with Madrid. During that season, he registered 22 goals across all competitions for Real Madrid, as the club finished a second consecutive season without a major trophy, coming second in La Liga, eight points behind Barcelona.
Throughout his time at Real Madrid, Vinicius Junior has made 375 appearances, contributing 128 goals and 100 assists. He has been part of the squad that secured three La Liga titles and won the Champions League twice. He also finished second in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings, behind Rodri.
A contract renewal is widely seen as the most logical outcome, as both Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior have consistently prioritised continuing their association. Despite periods of significant distance in negotiations, with months passing without discussions, talks initially began in January 2025.
Club’s Summer Activity and Player’s Outlook
For Real Madrid, retaining Vinicius Junior would be a significant achievement, keeping one of the world’s top players and a major commercial icon. This would also help prevent a direct European rival like Arsenal, who were runners-up in last season’s Champions League, from strengthening their squad. The club aims to avoid losing one of its key stars for a fee below market value this year or for free next summer.
The summer has been busy for Real Madrid, with Jose Mourinho returning as head coach. The club has moved quickly to reinforce the squad, bringing in Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, and Carlos Espi. Additionally, a deal has been agreed with RB Leipzig to sign winger Yan Diomande, and the club is also working on a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
Vinicius Junior recently spoke about his experience under the new manager. Following his first training session back with the team after the World Cup, he told Real Madrid TV, “It has gone very well, getting to know the new coach and the new players, and training very hard.” He added that Mourinho wants him to maintain his usual happy, positive demeanour and play his own style of football.
The player’s cheerful disposition comes despite previous comments from Mourinho earlier in the season regarding an incident during Real Madrid’s Champions League trip to Benfica on February 17. Vinicius Junior had alleged racial abuse from Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, who was later banned by UEFA and FIFA for admitting to using a homophobic slur. Mourinho’s comments at the time suggested Vinicius Junior had incited the incident, which did not sit well with the forward. However, sources close to the player later indicated that he had no issue with Mourinho becoming the new manager.
Vinicius Junior’s focus is now on preparing for the upcoming campaign. He emphasised the importance of physical preparation to minimise injuries during the season, stating, “It was a good training session, and we all left very tired. But now, it’s time to rest [for more training on Wednesday]. That’s how pre-season is, and we have to be ready.”
Source: nytimes.com
