Real Madrid are set to resume contract negotiations with Vinicius Jr this week, with Arsenal continuing to monitor the situation closely as they target the Brazilian winger as their top left-flank priority.

The Premier League champions have identified Vinicius Jr as the key forward they want to bring to north London — but only if his contract standoff with Real Madrid remains unresolved. That remains far from certain.

Talks restart at the Bernabeu

Vinicius Jr returned to Real Madrid's training facilities on Monday for his first pre-season session and medical checks, having recently featured for Brazil at the World Cup. It was also his first week training under new manager Jose Mourinho, who is understood to be eager for the winger to commit his long-term future to the club.

The 26-year-old shares that desire — he has publicly called Real Madrid "the club of my dreams" and expressed hope to stay "for many years." However, with his current deal expiring in the summer of 2027 and no extension agreed, the club risk losing him on a free transfer if talks drag on past this window.

Renewal discussions have been ongoing for roughly 18 months but stalled due to disagreements over wages and the player's standing within the club's hierarchy. Vinicius Jr is said to want recognition as the highest-paid player at Real Madrid — a position currently held by Kylian Mbappe — having carried the team for years before Mbappe's arrival. President Florentino Perez's administration is traditionally rigid when it comes to maintaining the club's salary structure.

A breakthrough is hoped for before the transfer window closes. Should an agreement be reached, Arsenal's interest becomes moot. Should it not — that is precisely where the Gunners step in.

Arsenal ready to move if the opportunity arises

Manager Mikel Arteta has spoken openly about his ambitions to use this window to push Arsenal to a higher level following their Premier League title triumph. Signing Vinicius Jr — widely considered one of the finest attackers in the world — would represent a major statement of intent from the club.

Those in Vinicius Jr's inner circle have repeatedly downplayed the likelihood of an imminent departure from Madrid. Arsenal, meanwhile, are fully aware that even with their target entering the final year of his deal, securing his signature is far from guaranteed — the power in this situation rests entirely with the player himself.