Arsenal have informed Vinicius Junior that they are prepared to match Real Madrid's improved contract offer, according to reports in Brazil, as the Premier League champions intensify their pursuit of the Brazilian winger. The key differentiator in Arsenal's proposal is the promise of 100% image rights, a significant concession that Real Madrid have never granted to any player except Kylian Mbappe.
Vinicius Junior has emerged as Mikel Arteta's top target to bolster Arsenal's attack, and the club is seeking to exploit the ongoing contract impasse between the player and Real Madrid. The Spanish giants, who initially refused to improve their offer last week, have now increased their proposal from €20 million (£17.1m) per season to €24 million (£20.5m). According to AS, Madrid are demanding a quick response from Vinicius Jr after a fresh round of negotiations on Wednesday.
Contract demands and image rights dispute
Real Madrid have still not met the Brazilian's demands, even after he lowered his initial request from €30 million (£25.7m) per season and asked for a renewal bonus, plus an improvement on his image rights percentage, which currently stands at just over 50%. As a rule, Madrid retain at least 50% of the image rights for their players, with the only exception being Kylian Mbappe, who has an 80% share.
Brazilian outlet UOL reports that Arsenal have indicated to Vinicius Jr's camp that they are willing to match Madrid's salary offer of €24 million (£20.5m) per season but, crucially, the Premier League champions would allow the 26-year-old to keep 100% of his image rights. This would represent a major financial advantage for the player, given his global marketability.
Negotiations with Real Madrid described as 'productive'
However, the report adds that Wednesday's meeting between Vinicius Jr's representatives and Madrid has been described as 'productive' and that the Brazilian appears to be nearing an agreement with the Spanish club. The winger's current contract expires next summer, which would then allow him to leave Madrid as a free agent if no new deal is signed.
Madrid have already told Vinicius Jr that they would be open to selling him to Arsenal this summer if he rejects their offer of a new deal. This stance indicates that the Spanish club is unwilling to let the situation drag on into the final year of his contract.
Madrid close to signing Yan Diomande
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are on the verge of completing their €140 million (£120m) deal to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig. The 19-year-old winger left RB Leipzig's pre-season training camp in Austria on Thursday in order to travel to Madrid to finalise his move. This signing could potentially influence the club's decision on Vinicius Jr, as they may look to reshape their attacking options.
Arsenal's interest in Vinicius Jr is part of a broader strategy to strengthen their squad after winning the Premier League title. The club has already been linked with moves for Bruno Guimaraes and a £60m World Cup star, indicating a busy summer transfer window ahead.
