Vinicius Junior drama! Real Madrid did not raise the contract offer, Arsenal is watching.

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior (@realmadridFC)

JAKARTA - Real Madrid is rumored to have opened the opportunity to let Vinicius Junior go if the negotiations for the extension of his contract do not reach an agreement. In the midst of the impasse, Arsenal is said to be one of the clubs ready to take advantage of the situation to recruit the Brazilian star.

Citing an ESPN report, Saturday, August 1, Real Madrid does not plan to increase the last contract offer to Vinicius. Los Blancos management is said to have left the decision entirely to the player, whether to extend the contract or seek a new challenge.

Vinicius Jr is scheduled to return to the Valdebebas training center on Monday after enjoying a break after the World Cup. However, his future is still a question mark because his contract only has one year left.

According to ESPN sources, there is currently no new meeting schedule between Real Madrid and Vinicius' representatives. The club believes the next step is now in the hands of the 26-year-old player.

On the other hand, Arsenal is rumored to be ready to move if Vinicius decides to leave the Santiago Bernabeu. However, sources close to the player confirmed that there has been no direct communication with the London club.

ESPN also reported that Arsenal had studied the possibility of recruiting Vinicius as part of a strategy to strengthen the attack line for the 2026/2027 season.

The deadlock in contract negotiations between Real Madrid and Vinicius' camp has actually been going on for quite some time. Previously, ESPN reported that the Brazilian national team player was not in a hurry to sign a new contract and chose to postpone discussions until after the World Cup.

Since joining from Flamengo in 2018, Vinicius has developed into one of the best players in the world. He has played a key role in bringing Real Madrid to various titles, including scoring in two Champions League finals and finishing as runner-up in the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

However, last season Vinicius was said to have felt uncomfortable under his previous coach, Xabi Alonso. One of the moments that became the spotlight was his reaction when he was pulled out in the El Clasico match at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Amid speculation over Vinicius' future, Real Madrid remain active in the summer transfer window. The Spanish capital club has signed striker Carlos Espí and is reportedly close to completing the transfer of winger Yan Diomande.

In addition, Real Madrid is also said to still be optimistic about bringing Manchester City midfielder Rodri to strengthen the squad next season.

Los Blancos are scheduled to play a pre-season friendly against Fiorentina in Austria after previously holding training matches against Alcorcón and Leganés.