Arsenal are plotting a club-record move for Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, undeterred by early transfer window frustrations and Jose Mourinho's insistence that the Brazilian will not be sold. The Premier League champions have endured a slow start to the summer, with only winger Christos Tzolis and back-up goalkeeper Illan Meslier arriving since Mikel Arteta ended the club's 22-year title drought.
Arsenal's frustrating window
Arsenal saw top target Morgan Rogers move from Aston Villa to Chelsea in a British record £117 million deal, while attempts to sign Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes have stalled. Julian Alvarez's reluctance to return to the Premier League, preferring Barcelona, has also cooled interest. With Arteta seeking a marquee forward, attention has turned to Vinicius, who has 12 months left on his Real Madrid contract.
Vinicius contract talks planned
Vinicius's primary objective is to find a resolution on his future, with talks scheduled in the coming week. However, Mourinho, in his second spell at the Bernabeu, is determined not to let Vinicius join Arsenal under any circumstances. The Portuguese manager is close to signing RB Leipzig's Yan Diomiande, but that deal is not expected to affect Vinicius's position.
According to The Telegraph, Arsenal are preparing to smash their wage structure to land Vinicius. The club already handed Bukayo Saka a £350,000-a-week deal last season, but they are ready to offer significantly more than Vinicius's current £400,000 weekly salary. Arsenal believe they can convince the Brazilian of their ambition with a record-breaking contract.
Record offer in the works
Arsenal are understood to be preparing a club-record offer to Vinicius, aiming to make him the jewel of their squad. The move would be one of the biggest in the club's history, reflecting their determination to build on last season's title success. Despite Mourinho's stance, Arsenal remain confident of landing the unsettled superstar.
