Arsenal are tracking the situation of 26-year-old Brazilian international Vinicius Junior at Real Madrid as his poor form continues.

According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Vinicius Junior remains a target for Arsenal after the North London club pursued his signature in the summer transfer window. The Gunners are keen on reinforcing their offensive unit by signing a left-winger next year, and they have their sights set on the 26-year-old Real Madrid attacker.

Per Fichajes, the player’s “tanking value” has forced Real Madrid to consider a possible sale, and this update comes in the wake of recent comments by Jose Mourinho, who suggested that he should have joined Arsenal in the summer transfer window.

Vinicius Junior and his progress at Real Madrid

Vinicius Junior has blossomed into a world-class attacker since joining Real Madrid from Flamengo in July 2018. The 26-year-old hit the ground running upon arriving in Spain, and he has made significant progress over the last eight years. However, the player’s form has plummeted this season, inviting widespread critique on his standing in the team and future at Real Madrid.

The Brazilian international has made 386 appearances for Real Madrid thus far, scoring 129 goals and providing 103 assists. However, his struggles in the ongoing campaign have led to a paltry tally of one goal and three assists in 11 outings. The international break did not provide any respite either, and the return to club football was brutal, as a red card against Villarreal earned him a four-game ban in La Liga.

What next?

Despite struggling in the first two months of the 2026/27 season, Vinicius Junior has retained popularity in the market. Arsenal, who came close to signing the player in the summer, have continued to keep tabs on him. Mikel Arteta bolstered the attacking unit by signing Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge earlier this year, but the Gunners need another winger after selling Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

With Tzolis the only specialist left-sided winger remaining, Arsenal must pursue wide-forward reinforcements in January. The Real Madrid attacker, despite his struggles this season, brings an impressive overall record of 129 goals and 103 assists for Los Blancos and would offer the pace and productivity the Gunners crave from the flank. His arrival would complement Bukayo Saka’s style of play, adding further depth and attacking threat to both flanks.

With pressure growing on Vinicius and Real Madrid increasingly open to a sale, a belated arrival at the Emirates is not out of the question. With Real Madrid increasingly receptive to a sale in January, the deal turns on price; Arsenal’s €150 million ceiling versus the Merengues’ asking rate.