Arsenal have reportedly agreed personal terms in principle with Vinicius Junior, in what could be a major breakthrough in the Gunners’ ambitious pursuit of the Real Madrid superstar and the biggest signing for the club, by some distance.
According to @HandofArsenal, Arsenal now have an agreement with the Brazilian over the personal terms of a potential move to North London.
The report claims Vinicius’ representatives, Roc Nation Sports, are now expected to enter negotiations with Real Madrid armed with a “monstrous offer” from Arsenal.
It represents a significant step forward from the developments earlier this week, when reports suggested Arsenal had made direct contact with Roc Nation to establish the financial requirements and feasibility of a deal.
As we covered previously, Arsenal’s ownership are believed to be directly involved in the pursuit, with the club prepared to go all-in should an opportunity emerge to prise Vinicius away from the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid’s existing contract offer to Vinicius is understood to remain on the table, but the Spanish giants have not yet improved those terms. That uncertainty has seemingly given Arsenal an opening – and the latest information suggests they are determined to exploit it.
Agreeing personal terms would remove one enormous obstacle, but clearly does not mean the transfer is done. Arsenal would still need to reach an agreement with Real Madrid, and any deal for one of world football’s most valuable players would require a huge financial commitment.
However, the suggestion that Arsenal are ready to make a substantial offer changes the complexion of the story. This is no longer simply a case of monitoring Vinicius’ situation from afar.
Earlier reports have suggested Real Madrid will not raise their financial offer, but if Vinicius were to take the evidence into talks, the Spanish club could yet change their stance and Vinicius would stay if his demands were met.
The Gunners have been searching for a major addition on the left side of their attack this summer, and Vinicius would represent about as significant an upgrade as Arsenal could possibly make.
At 26, the Brazilian is entering the prime years of his career and has already established himself among the game’s elite attackers, winning multiple Champions League and La Liga titles with Real Madrid.
Now, according to the latest report, Arsenal have done their work on the player side and are prepared to test Madrid’s resolve.
The decision may ultimately rest with Vinicius himself. Should he indicate that he wants the move, Arsenal appear ready to make one of the biggest statements in the club’s history. Does he want to continue his road at Madrid, or come and be the main man for Arsenal and test himself in the Premier League? Perhaps alongside several other Brazilian’s including Bruno Guimarães, who appears set to join in a £75m+£5m deal.