Real Madrid will hold crunch talks with 26-year-old Brazilian international Vinicius Junior over a new long-term contract next week.

According to an update from Mario Cortegana, James McNicholas, and David Ornstein on The Athletic, Vinicius Junior is the subject of interest from Arsenal. The Gunners are eager to bolster their offensive unit by signing a wide attacker, and they have begun exploring a move for the 26-year-old Real Madrid winger.

However, a summer move will be contingent on how talks between Real Madrid and the South American attacker progress in the coming week. Recent reports have painted a contradictory picture on Los Blancos’ stance, with some suggesting they will not improve their contract offer to the player.

Vinicius Junior and his time as a Real Madrid star

Vinicius Junior has established himself as one of the world’s best players since joining Real Madrid from Flamengo in a deal worth €45 million in July 2018. The 26-year-old move to Spain with an impressive reputation after his exploits in age-group football in his homeland. Los Blancos viewed him as Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-term successor, and he has made significant strides to achieve that status.

The Brazilian international has made 375 appearances for Real Madrid thus far, scoring 128 goals and providing 100 assists. However, his contract status (having entered the final year of his deal) and reported internal tensions at the Bernabeu have prompted multiple clubs to circle, with Arsenal leading the charge in the last ten days.

A man in demand

Arsenal’s interest in Vinicius Junior makes logical sense. Mikel Arteta’s attacking unit at the Emirates is stacked after signing Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge. However, they still need more productivity from the flanks after Gabriel Martinelli scored only one Premier League goal in the recently concluded campaign.

Additionally, Leandro Trossard has joined Besiktas this summer, leaving a gap in the attack that Mikel Arteta reportedly wants Andrea Berta to fill. Vinicius’s 128 goals and 100 assists for the Spanish giants offer Arsenal the potency the left flank has lacked in the last few seasons. His arrival will complement Bukayo Saka’s style of play, adding pace and productivity to both flanks.

However, recent reports have claimed that Jose Mourinho has no interest in sanctioning the Brazilian’s departure. With the three journalists from The Athletic suggesting that Real Madrid will sit down with the player to negotiate a new contract, Arsenal must play the waiting game.