Mercato: Mikel Arteta takes personal charge of the Vinicius Junior pursuit

Arsenal are ramping up their pursuit of Vinicius Junior. While negotiations between the Brazilian international and Real Madrid remain deadlocked over a contract extension, the Gunners are taking things to the next level. According to Spanish daily AS, head coach Mikel Arteta has become personally involved in the operation to convince the Madrid superstar to join the Premier League champions.

The Spanish tactician has reportedly sent a clear message to the 26-year-old: Arsenal want to build their sporting project around him. The idea is to make Vinicius the face of the London club, tasked with defending their Premier League crown and aiming for Champions League glory.

Arteta wants Vinicius to lead the project

According to AS, Arteta's pitch has resonated with the Brazilian, who now knows he would have a central role at the Emirates Stadium. It's a prospect that stands in stark contrast to the uncertainty clouding his future at Real Madrid, where talks over an extension have yet to bear fruit.

The deal, however, still hinges on Vinicius' final decision after his return to Madrid and the expected meetings with Florentino Pérez's management. Despite denials from the player's entourage about an agreement with Arsenal, multiple contacts between all parties confirm the Gunners' interest is very real.

A transfer that could reach €150 million

Again, according to the Spanish outlet, Arsenal are preparing a bid that could approach €150 million. Even though Vinicius has just one year left on his contract, Real Madrid are still hoping to secure a significant fee, in line with previous blockbuster sales of stars in the final year of their deals.

The London club's executives are convinced the Brazilian is a strategic investment, both on the pitch and commercially.

Performances that justify such an aggressive move

If Arsenal are ready to consider such a high-profile deal, it's because Vinicius remains one of world football's most decisive players. During the 2025-2026 season, the Brazilian winger netted 28 goals and provided 17 assists in 55 appearances across all competitions for Real Madrid—numbers that were instrumental in the Spanish club's domestic and European campaigns.

Since arriving from Flamengo in 2018 for €45 million, Vinicius has established himself as one of Real Madrid's icons. A multiple La Liga, Champions League, and Club World Cup winner, he has also become a mainstay for the Brazilian national team, with whom he featured at the 2026 World Cup.

The coming days promise to be decisive. If negotiations with Real Madrid break down for good, Arsenal appear determined to do whatever it takes to pull off what could become the biggest signing in their history.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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