Arteta’s direct involvement in Vinicius’ transfer

Arsenal are in the final stages of negotiations to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United, while Real Madrid are still trying to untangle the complicated deal for Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig. Once those two transfers are completed, the biggest blockbuster move of this transfer window is expected to begin. Arsenal are preparing an all-or-nothing approach to sign Vinícius Junior. What initially appeared to be mere speculation has now developed into concrete action. According to reports from Spain, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has already spoken directly with the Brazilian forward, explaining that he sees him as one of the central figures in a team capable of winning every major trophy. After conquering England last season and coming close to lifting the UEFA Champions League title, the Gunners believe that adding both Bruno Guimaraes and Vinícius Junior would make them genuine favorites for every competition. Vinícius is said to have liked what he heard from Arteta and has now entrusted the negotiations to his representatives.🚨Vinicius Junior reported back to Real Madrid this morning following his post-World Cup break. Real Madrid has no intention on selling him and planning to make a new deal. pic.twitter.com/956sN0u2Ah— EVAS_JERSEY (@evas_jerseys) August 3, 2026 Real Madrid, however, are prepared for Arsenal's pursuit and have no intention of giving in to what they see as demands from the player and his agents. Vinícius has entered the final year of his contract, making this the club's last realistic opportunity to sell him for a significant fee if no extension is agreed. At the moment, there appears to be no imminent breakthrough in contract talks. The Brazilian currently earns between 15 and 18 million euros net per season, depending on bonuses. Real Madrid are willing to increase that to 20 million net annually, but the player is asking for considerably more. In addition to the higher salary, Vinícius wants either a substantial signing bonus for renewing his contract or performance bonuses worth another 10 million per year. He has also requested that his share of image rights be increased from 50% to 75%, an issue on which Real Madrid have traditionally taken a firm stance.Take it or leave it! Real Madrid issue Vinicius Junior contract ultimatumAt present, only Kylian Mbappe enjoys a higher percentage, reportedly receiving 80% of his image rights. Before Mbappé's arrival, Real Madrid had never allowed a player to exceed the standard 50% share, which remains part of Vinícius' current contract. The core of the dispute is that Vinícius wants his overall earnings to move closer to Mbappe's. Although the French forward officially earns around 15 million per year, he also received a massive 125 million euros signing bonus when he joined as a free agent, effectively taking his annual net earnings to around 40 million, while also retaining 80% of his image rights. Vinícius does not want to earn half as much as his teammate, which is why his representatives are pushing for a significantly improved package.Tzolis shines as Arsenal hit four past Girona, but Arteta hints more signings are comingAs things stand, Real Madrid are unwilling to meet those demands, fearing they would trigger a domino effect in the dressing room, with stars such as Jude Bellingham and others inevitably seeking similar terms. That is why Vinícius is reportedly open to joining Arsenal, who are prepared to satisfy his financial expectations. In London, he would become the undisputed face of the team, free from Mbappe's shadow. From both a sporting and financial perspective, Arsenal are believed to offer him a more attractive personal opportunity. The remaining question is the transfer fee. Real Madrid are waiting for Arsenal's delegation, led by sporting director Andrea Berta, to submit a formal offer. Their asking price is expected to be 150 million, an extraordinary figure for a player entering the final year of his contract. However, that valuation is understood to be an opening negotiating position designed to strengthen Real's leverage. The club is well aware that it once signed Eden Hazard from Chelsea for around 100 million despite the Belgian also being in the final year of his deal and determined to move to Madrid.##NAJAVA_MECA_9872196##