Vinícius Júnior

Vinícius commits to Real Madrid: Arsenal must look elsewhere

The summer's biggest dream is closing. David Ornstein revealed in late July that Arsenal were exploring a move for the Real Madrid winger, the idea «approved at all levels» internally. Four days later Sky Sports News report Vinícius will stay at the Bernabéu beyond this summer: Real have «no intention» of selling and are confident of agreeing a renewal, with talks held with his representatives this week. José Mourinho wants him to stay and Florentino Pérez is personally involved. No club-to-club contact ever took place, and the deal would have been the largest in Arsenal's history. The file cools off, to be reopened only if the renewal collapses.

Latest development

Sky Sports and Yahoo Sports reported in early August that Vinícius Júnior has committed to a new Real Madrid contract, closing a lead Arsenal had explored for several weeks. The exact length differs between outlets, so we are not repeating it. What matters for Arsenal: the club are left without their first-choice attacking target three weeks before the window shuts on 1 September. Fabrizio Romano confirms a winger is still on the list, alongside a centre-back. Kenan Yıldız's name resurfaced straight afterwards.