The summer transfer window opened on June 15 for the Premier League and July 1 for other major European soccer leagues, and now that the World Cup is all finished, the action has really started to pick up.
Rumors continue to swirl around Real Madrid and the possibility of signing Golden Ball winner Rodri, however, there may be an even bigger move looming that involves the powerhouse club losing one of its star players.
According to David Ornstein and James McNicholas of The Athletic, Arsenal is exploring a move for winger Vinicius Junior, and while it’s still early in the process, they are all in on the idea of signing the Brazilian star.
Ornstein and McNicholas wrote:
“Arsenal are exploring a move to sign Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior if he does not extend his contract in the Spanish capital.
The Brazil international, 26, figures prominently among multiple candidates for the Premier League champions to bolster their attack. That said, the interest is at any early stage and there is no guarantee it materialises into a deal. There have been no club-to-club talks yet but the idea has approval at all levels within Arsenal.
The 26-year-old Vinicius Junior is poised to enter the final year of his four-year contract extension signed with Real Madrid back in October 2023 next season. He tallied 16 goals and five assists in 32 starts for the club last season.
Vinicius Junior has been a polarizing player at times throughout his tenure at Real Madrid, though there’s no doubt he’s one of the best and most talented players in the world.
Arsenal already has some strong attacking options featuring the likes of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres, and fellow Brazilians Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli. That being said, none of them stack up to a talent like Vinicius Junior, who would immediately become the face of the squad upon his arrival.
For Real Madrid, losing Vinicius Junior would sting, though having arguably the best player in the world in Kylian Mbappe and 20-year-old Endrick waiting in the wings certainly softens the blow. They’re never afraid to dip back into the marketplace, either.
