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Arsenal explore exciting move for Real Madrid star

Arsenal are exploring a move to sign Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid, though their interest is currently only at an early stage.

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Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images

David Ornstein and James McNicholas reports for The Athletic that Arsenal are exploring a move to sign Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior this summer, if the player doesn’t extend his contract to stay where he is.

According to the claims, Vini Jr. is one of multiple candidates for Arsenal to improve their attack, and the interest is currently at an early stage. The report stresses that there are no guarantees it materialises into a deal, and there have been no club-to-club talks yet.

But the idea has been approved at all levels within Arsenal, so it’s clearly one everyone is ready to push for if possible.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 15: Casemiro of Brazil celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates Vinicius Junior and Gabriel Magalhaes during the International Friendly between Brazil and Senegal at Emirates Stadium on November 15, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Vini Jr. is widely considered one of the world’s best wingers, and he had another strong season in 2025/26, scoring 22 goals for Real Madrid and assisting another 14.

Those stats include three goal contributions in three Champions League fixtures against Arsenal’s Premier League rivals Manchester City.

As for why the La Liga club would even consider letting the Brazil international go, he’s now in the final year of his contract. If he doesn’t extend, Real Madrid would likely want to sell before losing him on a free and paying out a significant loyalty bonus.

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 16: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Real Madrid C.F. and Arsenal FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images

Real Madrid’s pursuit of Yan Diomande could also be connected, with the RB Leipzig winger potentially providing the Spanish club with a young and talented replacement for their 26-year-old star.

Vini Jr. has visited Arsenal’s London Colney training ground in the past, spending time there with Brazil and snapping pictures with the Gunners’ academy players. Perhaps he could end the summer training there on a regular basis.

Vinicius Jr. alongside Emerson Nwaneri at Arsenal's London Colney training centre (Photo via Hakeem Abubakar on Instagram)
Photo via Hakeem Abubakar on Instagram
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