Real Madrid transfer news: Vinicius Junior to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu beyond this summer despite Arsenal interest
Vinicius Junior had been a target for Arsenal, but looks set to stay at Real Madrid beyond this summer's transfer window; Jose Mourinho is understood to value the Brazilian highly; Sky Sports News revealed on Monday that talks over his future would take place this week
Tuesday 28 July 2026 16:44, UK
Vinicius Junior will be staying at Real Madrid beyond this summer, Sky Sports News has been told.
The Spanish club have no intention of selling him and are confident he will agree a new contract.
This is despite the interest of Arsenal, who are monitoring his situation closely with a year remaining on his current deal.
On Monday, Sky Sports News broke the news that further talks over his future between Real and his representatives will take place this week. That is with the intention of making progress on a new long-term contract at the Bernabeu.
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New manager Jose Mourinho is understood to value Vinicius highly and wants him to remain one of his top Galacticos.
Was Vinicius' rumours all just a contract dispute?
Analysis from Sky Sports News' Lyall Thomas:
The situation regarding Vinicius Junior has some of the classic hallmarks of a new contract dispute; reports of an impasse over salary demands, emerging Arsenal interest and further talks to come.
But there is no strong public evidence yet that Vinicius wants to leave Real Madrid for any reason, sporting or otherwise; no quotes, no interviews, no suggestive social media posts.
Real Madrid and - most importantly - new manager Jose Mourinho want him to stay and agree new terms.
Club president Florentino Perez is personally involved and has publicly expressed a desire for Vinicius to stay long term. Reports in Spain have long claimed that both parties have indicated a preference for him to remain at the club. Real Madrid do not want him to run down the deal into a free agent situation either.
Vinicius is more than just an outstanding left winger. He is a global superstar - and a Galactico in every sense. In that way he embodies everything about Real Madrid and fits right in.
Can the same be said about Arsenal? Signing such an icon has not been part of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal project so far, however exciting it might be to go in that direction.
