Key Takeaways:
- Both Arsenal and Liverpool have recently been made aware of Vinicius Junior’s uncertain contract situation at Real Madrid
- Chelsea and Manchester City, long-time admirers, have made approaches earlier in the summer regarding the Brazilian international
- Real Madrid are prepared to sell Vinicius Junior next summer if no new deal is reached, with contract negotiations currently at an impasse
Contract Impasse Clouds Vinicius Junior’s Madrid Future
Vinicius Junior, who joined Real Madrid in 2018 and has since amassed 328 appearances while capturing two Champions League titles, now faces an ambiguous future at the Bernabeu following a breakdown in contract negotiations. Earlier in the summer, both Chelsea and Manchester City made initial enquiries regarding the Brazilian, anticipating a potential shift in his status.
Prior to the Club World Cup, Real Madrid appeared on the verge of securing Vinicius to a long-term contract with a proposed annual salary of €20 million. However, negotiations encountered obstacles as the player’s representatives pushed for bonus structures that could have elevated the total value of the deal to €30 million per annum – edging close to the terms of Kylian Mbappe. Real Madrid have refused to meet these demands and have made it clear they will not acquiesce.
🚨 Both Arsenal and Liverpool have been informed that 25-year-old Brazil winger Vinicius Junior's future is uncertain at Real Madrid.
(Source: @TBRFootball) pic.twitter.com/8xFgCiUWeN
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) September 24, 2025
Sale Looms if No Agreement by Next Summer
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has reported that the club has informed Vinicius Junior that, should a contract extension not be finalised by next summer – when only twelve months would remain on his current deal – he will be placed on the transfer market. In addition to the current contract standoff, sources indicate unease within Vinicius’ camp about his position under manager Xabi Alonso. The Brazilian has started four of Real Madrid’s six fixtures under the new regime but has yet to play beyond the 80th minute in any match, a situation contributing to mounting frustration.
These factors have cast considerable doubt on his long-term prospects with the Spanish giants. The Saudi Pro League has signalled strong interest in acquiring Vinicius Junior, although sources confirm that such a switch does not align with his preferences at this juncture in his career.
Premier League and European Elite Notified of Situation
As the situation unfolds, both Arsenal and Liverpool have been briefed on these developments, alongside Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. Chelsea and Manchester City have also been made aware that Vinicius may consider a move to the Premier League should an opening arise. These communications have not been initiated by the clubs themselves, but major sides are maintaining a close watch, seeking to remain apprised of any further changes in circumstance regarding a player of Vinicius’ calibre.
| Club | Status | Interest Level |
|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | Informed | Monitoring |
| Liverpool | Informed | Monitoring |
| Chelsea | Previously enquired | Long-term admiring |
| Manchester City | Previously enquired | Long-term admiring |
| Paris Saint-Germain | Informed | Monitoring |
| Bayern Munich | Informed | Monitoring |
Club Concerns and Expert Insight
Graeme Bailey has shared further analysis on the situation, stating: “Florentino Perez loves Vinicius Junior but there are concerns within the club about whether he is going to sign this new deal.
“It is hard to imagine Vinicius not being at Madrid but sources are insisting this possibility.
“The coming months are going to be intriguing but the basic point is that Real won’t allow him to go into the final 12 months of his deal and potentially look at a free transfer.”
