Vinicius Junior is expected to remain at Real Madrid after contract renewal talks took a positive turn on Wednesday, dealing a blow to Arsenal's hopes of signing the Brazil winger.

Real Madrid improved their offer to Vinicius during meetings held at the club's training ground, and sources indicate the discussions have moved in an encouraging direction for both parties.

Arsenal had been closely monitoring the situation, with the forward entering the final year of his deal. The Spanish giants' ability to retain him now appears increasingly likely.

Mourinho factor proves decisive

A strong personal connection between Vinicius and new Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho has been cited as a key driver behind the positive talks. Mourinho has made clear that Vinicius is central to his plans at the club and wants him to be one of the main protagonists in his side.

That relationship is understood to have played a significant role in persuading the 24-year-old to commit his future to Real Madrid rather than pursue a move away this summer.

Arsenal secure Guimaraes as alternative target

While Arsenal may miss out on Vinicius, the Premier League champions have agreed a £75 million fee with Newcastle for captain Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian midfielder has been granted permission to travel for a medical.

Guimaraes made his desire to join Arsenal known to Newcastle earlier this summer, provided a suitable offer arrived. The clubs' opening bid was turned down, but at 28, he now appears set to make the switch to the Emirates.

The midfielder joined Newcastle from Lyon in 2022 for £40 million and made 195 appearances for the club, contributing 31 goals. He had two years remaining on his contract, plus a club-held option for a third year.

Newcastle, despite their reluctance to lose Guimaraes, stand to have earned more than £240 million from player sales across this summer — a figure bolstered by Anthony Gordon's £69.3 million move to Barcelona, Sandro Tonali's £100 million departure to Tottenham Hotspur, and the exit of manager Eddie Howe in what has been a turbulent period at St James' Park.