Arsenal are exploring the possibility of signing Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior should the Brazilian star fail to agree a new contract at the Spanish club.

The 26-year-old Brazil international ranks among several candidates the Premier League champions are considering to reinforce their attacking options this summer.

A report from The Athletic indicates the interest remains at an early stage, with no guarantee it will develop into a concrete transfer. Club-to-club discussions have not yet begun, although the idea of pursuing the dynamic forward has received approval across all levels of the Arsenal hierarchy.

Vinicius Junior is entering the final 12 months of his current deal after eight seasons in Madrid. Negotiations over a renewal have so far produced no breakthrough, leaving his long-term future uncertain. Real Madrid are reluctant to allow one of their key players to leave for nothing, especially as he stands to receive a significant loyalty bonus next season if he remains at the club.

Domestically, he registered 22 goals across all competitions during the 2025-26 campaign as Real Madrid finished empty-handed for a second consecutive season, ending as runners-up in La Liga eight points behind Barcelona. Since joining from Flamengo in 2018, Vinicius Junior has made 375 appearances for Real Madrid, contributing 128 goals and 100 assists.

Arsenal’s move for Vinicius results after the Premier League champions failed to rope in Morgan Rogers, who moved to Chelsea from Aston Villa for a massive £117 million.

His pace, creativity and goal-scoring threat have made him a central figure at the Bernabéu, and any potential departure would represent a major shift for both the player and the Spanish giants.

The Brazilian was excellent for the Selecao in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as well, where he scored 4 goals in five matches before they were eliminated by Norway in the Round of 16.