Arsenal are considering a move for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior should the Brazilian fail to agree a new contract at the Santiago Bernabéu, according to The Athletic.

The 26-year-old features among several attacking targets the Premier League champions are assessing to strengthen their forward line. However, the interest remains at an early stage, with no certainty that it will develop into a formal offer.

No talks yet — but full internal support

While no club-to-club discussions have taken place, the idea of pursuing Vinicius Junior has backing at every level within Arsenal's hierarchy. The club are monitoring the situation as his contractual standoff with Real Madrid drags on.

Vinicius Junior is in the final 12 months of his current deal after eight seasons in the Spanish capital, and negotiations over an extension have not yet produced a breakthrough. Real Madrid will be eager to avoid losing one of the world's most dangerous attackers on a free transfer, particularly given that he would be entitled to a substantial loyalty bonus during the forthcoming season.

A summer to remember at the World Cup

Vinicius Junior caught the eye at this summer's FIFA World Cup, starting all five of Brazil's matches and netting four goals before Carlo Ancelotti's side were eliminated by Norway in the round of 16.

The winger was also productive at club level, recording 22 goals across all competitions for Real Madrid in 2025-26 — a campaign that ended in disappointment for the Spanish giants, who finished runners-up in La Liga, eight points adrift of Barcelona, and collected no silverware for a second successive season.

A decorated career at the Bernabéu

Vinicius Junior arrived at Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018 and has since become one of the club's most important players. Across 375 appearances in all competitions, he has contributed 128 goals and 100 assists — a record that underlines why Arsenal's interest, however early, is far from surprising.