Arsenal get Vinicius Junior boost as Real Madrid star plans training strike amid contract standoff

Gunners hoping to make Brazilian their statement summer signing

The Brazilian winger emerged as a target for the Gunners over the weekend and is entering the final 12 months of his current contract. Standard Sport understands Arsenal are yet to make a formal approach for the player.

It is said, however, they are prepared to offer him an eye-watering contract in a bid to lure him away from Madrid, where he has plied his trade since 2018.

Talks over a new deal for Vinicius ran aground last season, but Real are still keen to offer him a long-term extension with negotiations expected to resume in the coming days.

In the meantime, though, the Brazilian is not expected to report for pre-season training until his future is set in stone.

Taking a stand: Vinicius Jr is set to go on strike

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He had been expected to return to Valdebebas by the end of the month, but he will stay away from the club’s training ground until a new contract has been signed and sealed.

Vinicius is thought to be leaning towards extending his Real contract rather than engineering a move this summer. The difference in valuation between his demands and Real’s offer is not thought to be large, though it remains to be seen whether either party will give in.

New Real head coach Jose Mourinho, meanwhile, is not willing to let him leave the club.

Arsenal are expected to push for a marquee signing this summer after they were pipped by Chelsea in the race to sign Morgan Rogers.

Vinicius’ wage demands could prove a sticking point, though. He currently earns in the region of £400,000 per week and is pushing for a pay rise.

Real are also close to a deal for the in-demand winger Yan Diomande, though his potential signing is not expected to have any ramifications for Vinicius’ future given the young Ivorian’s ability to play across the front three.