Arsenal's hopes of getting Vinicius Junior depend on how Real Madrid's plans to get Yan Diomande turn out, a report said. The Bundesliga side Leipzig had rejected the La Liga side's initial bid for their speedster, who is highly regarded by José Mourinho. PSG are also in the race for the Ivorian and, unless Diomande ultimately reaches Madrid, Vinicius would become integral to the squad yet again.
Arsenal are heavily linked to Julián Álvarez of Atlético Madrid. While the fate of this saga remains unclear, a fresh report claimed that the Premier League giants were willing to pay at least €160 million (£136.6 million) to Real Madrid for their Brazilian winger.
Vinicius, who has scored 128 goals in 376 games for Real Madrid, has long been a headache for the club as contract extension talks have failed multiple times. He initially wanted payment at par with Kylian Mbappé — the highest-paid star in the Los Blancos squad. The talks stalled as Real categorically denied this demand. His current deal is set to run out in the summer of 2027.
Arsenal are yet to approach Real with a bid, but the London club's higher-ups have reportedly approved a move for the winger. Arsenal have long been asked to look for an upgrade to Vinicius's international teammate Gabriel Martinelli on the left flank of the attack.
It was earlier reported that Arsenal's Premier League rivals Manchester City and Liverpool were also interested in Vinicius, apart from cash-rich Saudi clubs. However, none of these parties have made any moves since the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Getting Diomande would require a sum around €100 million and Real Madrid may have to let go of one or two of their players to balance the wages. Aurélien Tchouaméni was earlier linked to a move to Manchester United, and as things stand, both of these regular starters may leave the club before Mourinho's second stint begins.
