Vinicius Responds to Arsenal Rumours as Real Madrid Face Contract Nightmare
Arsenal transfer target Vinicius Junior has broken his silence over his future after returning to training with Real Madrid.
The Brazilian winger was back with the Spanish giants on Monday after weeks of speculation linking him with a move to Arsenal. He completed his pre-season medical before joining a double training session under new Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho.
Vinicius has just one year left on his Real Madrid contract, with negotiations over a new deal still unresolved.
According to ESPN, Real Madrid have improved their contract offer, putting forward a deal worth £19.1 million per year (around £367,000 per week). However, reports claim the 26-year-old is seeking a salary of about £26 million per year.
If no agreement is reached, Vinicius could leave for free next summer. Real Madrid are reportedly hoping to avoid that by either renewing his contract or selling him for around £145 million.
Spanish outlet Sport claims Arsenal value the Brazilian closer to £128.5 million and are unwilling to meet Real Madrid’s asking price.
The report added that Arsenal are ready to offer Vinicius a record-breaking Premier League salary.
“The London club is prepared to take a gamble by offering him the highest salary ever seen in the Premier League.”
“Figures that would be very close to what Mbappe is currently earning at Real Madrid.”
“But for the deal to be feasible, Real Madrid would have to lower their financial demands.”
“Florentino Perez wants €170 million, despite Vinicius only having one year left on his contract, while Arsenal want a figure lower than €150 million to make the numbers work.”
“There’s room for negotiation here too, and Arsenal is very serious about this.”
Speaking through Real Madrid’s official media for the first time since the transfer rumours intensified, Vinicius said Mourinho wants him to enjoy his football and remain happy at the club.
“Mourinho wants me to be as I’ve always been: happy, cheerful, and that I play my football.”
He also spoke about the team’s pre-season preparations.
“We have to prepare physically so that during the season we have fewer injuries and we can count on everybody.”
“[Monday] was a double session, [Tuesday] is one session. So let’s go. Today we did a bit of work in the gym and a short session to load our legs some more.”
“It was a good training session and we all left very tired, but now it’s time to rest for tomorrow. Pre-season is like this. We have to be prepared.”
Vinicius’ comments come as Arsenal continue to be linked with one of the biggest transfers of the summer, although any deal will depend on Real Madrid lowering their valuation or the player reaching a decision on his contract.
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