Arsenal is reportedly preparing to offer Vinicius Jr a contract that would set a new wage record for the club as they seek to secure the signing of the Real Madrid forward this summer. The Brazilian international, who currently earns around £400,000 per week at the Bernabeu, is entering the final year of his contract with Real Madrid, and negotiations for an extension have yet to yield an agreement.
The Premier League club’s willingness to match Vinicius Jr’s demands reflects their ambition to bolster their attacking options following recent transfer activity in the league. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen the squad after rivals Chelsea secured the signing of Aston Villa and England forward Morgan Rogers for £117 million. Prior to this, Arsenal’s highest earners included Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who were both paid above £350,000 weekly, while current star Bukayo Saka recently signed a contract reportedly worth £300,000 per week.
Real Madrid’s new manager, Jose Mourinho, has expressed a clear intent to retain his key players, which suggests the Spanish club is not prepared to let Vinicius Jr leave easily. However, the stalemate in contract talks has opened the door for Arsenal to make a serious push.
In addition to Vinicius Jr, Arsenal is also considering alternative targets to enhance their forward line. France international Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain has emerged as a potential option. At 23 years old, Barcola is reportedly open to a move this summer, but any transfer would come with a significant price tag. PSG have indicated that a fee in the region of £140 million would be required, a figure that could set a British record. Liverpool is reportedly leading the race for Barcola, although PSG, who hold his contract until 2028, are reluctant to part with the player as they explore other attacking additions such as RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche.
Meanwhile, Liverpool is undergoing a period of rebuilding under new manager Andoni Iraola. The club has seen the departure of veteran forward Mohamed Salah on a free transfer and faces ongoing uncertainty over the future of Cody Gakpo. They are also awaiting the return of Hugo Ekitike, who remains sidelined with an Achilles injury.
As the summer transfer window progresses, Arsenal’s pursuit of Vinicius Jr and other attacking reinforcements will be closely watched, with the club aiming to compete aggressively in both the domestic league and European competitions.