Online Reporter
ARSENAL are exploring a shock deal for Vinicius Junior, SunSport understands.
The Gunners are looking to bolster their firepower as they prepare to defend their Premier League title.
And the club are monitoring Vinicius Jr’s situation at the Bernabeu as he mulls over signing a new contract, as first reported by The Athletic.
The Brazilian, who is in the final year of his Real contract, is one of several options the club are considering following the World Cup.
Vinicius Jr, 26, has been at Real for eight years, and registered 22 goals across all competitions last season.
While interest is at an early stage, with club-to-club talks yet to take place, Real do not want to lose Vinicius for free next summer so may be more open to a sale.
But there is cause for optimism, with the idea of signing the former Flamengo winger “approved” at all levels, meaning both manager Mikel Arteta and transfer chief Andrea Berta are supportive of the deal.
Furthermore, it is reported the Spanish giants have had an £85m bid for wonderkid Yan Diomande rejected, suggesting they have identified their Vinicius replacement already.
Arsenal confirmed a deal to sign former Norwich star Christos Tzolis for £35million from Club Brugge earlier this week.
SunSport then exclusively revealed they were preparing to splash £70m on Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, while they would also battle Tottenham for the signature of £51m-rated RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa.
But in terms of top attacking talent, Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Julian Alvarez, who wants out of Atletico Madrid this summer.
Although a move for Vinicius, who recently underwent chin harmonisation surgery, would represent the crown jewel in any recruitment done this summer.
However, Arsenal may need to rip up their wage structure in order to land the attacker.
England international Bukayo Saka is the club’s top earner at £300,000-a-week, while six of his team-mates earn more than £200,000-a-week.
Meanwhile, the Real moneybags currently pay Vinicius around £345,000-a-week.
There is a possibility that Arsenal could convince Los Blancos chiefs to sell for a lower up-front fee due to the circumstances of Vinicius’ contract.
The move for Vinicius does also seem to confirm Gabriel Martinelli will soon be departing the Emirates, with the winger having admirers both in the Prem and abroad.
Leandro Trossard has already left, while the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Ben White, Reiss Nelson and Christian Norgaard could soon follow suit to fund the wave of new recruits Arsenal are planning before the transfer window slams shut – Sun.
