Vinicius Junior close to a transfer: what he wants from Real and why Arsenal can give it

Vinicius Junior has returned to Real Madrid training after a short break, but questions over his future persist as his representatives continue to press the same contract demands that reportedly put the forward on the verge of leaving the Spanish champions.

According to current reports the player's camp has kept three core conditions: 20.000.000 euros net per year; 100% marketing rights, modelled on the deal given to Kylian Mbappé; and a potential cash bonus tied to renewing his contract.

Contract demands and the sticking point

The main sticking point for Real Madrid is the signing/renewal bonus — a type of payment Florentino Perez has seldom granted to players already on the squad. Such add‑on bonuses have been awarded more often to players who arrived as free agents, as in the case of Kylian Mbappé and more recently Bernardo Silva.

That divergence helps explain why Arsenal has emerged as a realistic suitor: the Premier League club is reportedly prepared to meet Vinicius's terms, including £400.000 per week and a signing bonus. Mikel Arteta is said to see the Brazilian as a new leading figure on the left wing.

Arsenal’s squad dynamics also make the move plausible — Leandro Trossard has already left, and Gabriel Martinelli’s position could be affected by the arrival of Hristos Kolis. A pairing of Vinicius and Bukayo Saka on the flanks would present an intimidating offensive combination, and some view this as potentially the biggest transfer in Arsenal’s history.

Photo: press material from the event