Arsenal are exploring the possibility of signing Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, though no formal contact has yet taken place between the two clubs, according to Sky Sports Football.

The Premier League champions are targeting reinforcements on the left flank this summer, and Vinicius Jr — the 2024 Ballon d'Or runner-up — represents one of the most coveted options available in the transfer market. He is among several forward targets Arsenal are assessing, alongside Julian Alvarez, Yan Diomande, and Bradley Barcola.

Contract situation opens door

Vinicius Jr has entered the final year of his contract at Real Madrid. Should the two parties fail to reach an agreement on an extension, Real Madrid could be willing to sell rather than allow him to leave on a free transfer next summer.

The Brazilian was in prominent form for Brazil at the World Cup and is currently on holiday. Despite the attention around his future, it is understood that his relationship with new Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho is on steady ground. The pair are said to have been in contact following an incident last season in which Vinicius Jr was abused by Mourinho's then-Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni, and both are reportedly ready to begin the new campaign with a clean slate.

Arsenal's left-wing options under scrutiny

The Gunners' need for a wide attacker has become increasingly clear. Arsenal sold Leandro Trossard to Besiktas for £17 million earlier this summer, and while they brought in Christo Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34 million, their other option on that flank, Gabriel Martinelli, managed just one Premier League goal last season.

A move for Vinicius Jr would represent a significant statement of intent from Arsenal, adding a world-class presence to a squad already pushing at the very top of European football.