Arsenal's hopes of landing Vinicius Junior appear to be fading, with the club now believing the Brazil forward is increasingly likely to remain at Real Madrid, according to reports from The Independent and ESPN.

Real Madrid have made significant progress in contract renewal talks with Vinicius Junior's representatives, presenting an improved offer during discussions on Wednesday. The player's camp is now said to feel optimistic that a renewal can be agreed, according to ESPN.

The Daily Mail and The Guardian report that Real Madrid put forward improved terms worth in excess of £19m per year to Vinicius Junior and are awaiting a response from the 24-year-old. The Guardian adds that Real Madrid have also agreed a club-record fee of £115.7m with RB Leipzig for Yan Diomande, a deal they believe will help them fend off any remaining interest from Arsenal.

Other transfer developments

Elsewhere, Arsenal are pursuing Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, with The Daily Mail reporting that Villa are braced for a fresh bid after the England international rejected attempts to tie him to a new deal at Villa Park.

Fulham have submitted an offer to sign centre-back Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal from Rennes, but the £20m approach fell well short of Rennes' valuation and was rejected, according to The Athletic.

Cristian Romero's future at Tottenham also remains uncertain. The Daily Mail reports Atletico Madrid are ready to formalise their interest in the Argentine centre-back following his talks with Inter Milan. The Times, meanwhile, notes that Inter Milan have reached a broad agreement with Tottenham over a deal for Romero, though Atletico Madrid are confident he would prefer a move to the Spanish capital.

Aston Villa, for their part, are continuing negotiations with Atletico Madrid over a £14m deal for Italian left-back Matteo Ruggeri, per the Daily Mail.

Infantino and the 'FIFA Super League'

Off the pitch, The Guardian reveals that FIFA president Gianni Infantino held discussions about rebranding the failed European breakaway competition as the "FIFA Super League." Negotiations reportedly progressed as far as a signed term sheet for an agreement that would have fundamentally reshaped European club football.