According to Sky Sports, the two clubs have not engaged in any official contact. However, Arsenal's interest is genuine and has received approval from the club's leadership. Vinicius is one of many options Arsenal is considering to strengthen its attack, alongside Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid), Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig), and Bradley Barcola (PSG).

Vinicius celebrates a goal during the El Clasico match between Real and Barca at the Bernabeu on 21/4/2024. Photo: AP

Vinicius's contract with Real is valid only until summer 2027, following 8 seasons with the club. To date, contract extension negotiations have not made significant progress.

If a new contract cannot be agreed upon, Real is reportedly prepared to consider selling the Brazilian striker this summer. The Bernabeu club does not want Vinicius to leave on a free transfer, especially as he stands to receive a substantial loyalty bonus if he remains until the end of next season.

Arsenal aims to add a top-class left winger. The London club sold Leandro Trossard to Besiktas for approximately 20 million USD and acquired Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for about 40 million USD.

However, the remaining option on the left flank, Gabriel Martinelli, scored only one goal in the Premier League during the 2025-2026 season, prompting coach Mikel Arteta to continue searching for a player who can make a difference.

Vinicius is considered a "blockbuster" target. The Brazilian player finished second in the 2024 Ballon d'Or voting and is currently on summer vacation after participating in the World Cup 2026 with the Brazil national team. He scored 4 goals in 5 matches before Brazil lost 1-2 to Norway in the round of 16.

Vinicius (yellow jersey, right) celebrates a goal during Brazil's 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opening Group C match of the World Cup 2026 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA on 13/6. Photo: AP

According to Transfermarkt, Vinicius is currently valued at 162 million USD (updated 6/2026). If Real agrees to negotiate this summer to avoid the risk of losing him for free next year, this figure will likely serve as the reference fee Arsenal must prepare for the transfer. However, the final amount will depend on the negotiation process between the two clubs.

Sky Sports suggests that if the deal materializes, it would be one of the most impactful signings in Arsenal's history. Vinicius having only one year left on his contract makes this summer a rare opportunity for major clubs to approach the 26-year-old striker.

Born in 2000 in Sao Goncalo, Vinicius was recognized early as a Brazilian football prodigy. He joined the Flamengo academy at 10 years old, made his first-team debut at 16, and quickly caught Real's attention. In 2018, at 18, Vinicius moved to the Bernabeu for 50 million USD, a record fee for a teenage player at the time.

At Real, Vinicius gradually rose to become a top star. He played a significant role in helping the royal club secure two Champions League titles, three La Liga titles, three Spanish Super Cups, one Copa del Rey, two UEFA Super Cups, one FIFA Club World Cup, and one Intercontinental Cup.

In total, Vinicius has recorded 128 goals and 100 assists in 376 appearances for Real across all competitions. In the 2025-2026 season, he scored 22 goals across all competitions, but Real endured a second consecutive season without a trophy.

Hong Duy compiled