Rabat – Vinicius Junior has stressed that his future lies at Real Madrid, with the Brazilian forward prioritizing a contract extension over potential moves to Arsenal or Liverpool.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, negotiations between the player and the Spanish giants are set to resume next week after he returns from his summer vacation.
Despite renewed interest from Premier League clubs, Vinicius’ focus remains on staying at the Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid also consider extending the winger’s contract a top priority, with both parties reportedly eager to reach an agreement.
The report dismisses speculation that the arrival of highly rated defender Ousmane Diomandé, who shares the same agent as Vinicius, Frederico Pena, could signal the Brazilian’s departure. Instead, the newspaper insists the two developments are unrelated.
Contract discussions are expected to center on Vinicius’ role in José Mourinho’s new project and his salary. The 26-year-old wants reassurance that he remains a key figure in the club’s long-term plans and believes his wages should reflect his status as one of the world’s elite footballers.
According to AS, Mourinho is determined to keep Vinicius at the club and views him as an untouchable member of the squad. The Portuguese coach is reportedly planning an attacking trio featuring Vinicius, Kylian Mbappé, and Diomandé, with Jude Bellingham playing a central supporting role.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have recently made exploratory contacts to assess the Brazilian’s situation, while Liverpool had previously shown interest in signing him on a free transfer in the summer of 2027. However, the player’s stance has remained unchanged, with his priority firmly set on continuing his career in Madrid.
Financial terms remain one of the final obstacles to an agreement. Vinicius is reportedly seeking a net annual salary of around €20 million, approximately €5 million more than his current average earnings.
The Brazilian last renewed his contract in 2022, signing a five-year deal until the summer of 2027 worth €75 million net. The agreement includes a progressive salary structure that started at around €10 million per season and is expected to rise to nearly €18 million next season, in addition to a €2 million bonus following his FIFA The Best award.
Negotiations had reportedly reached an advanced stage after both sides narrowed their differences, with Vinicius lowering his financial demands and Real Madrid improving their offer. However, a few remaining details prevented the deal from being finalized before talks were temporarily paused following the FIFA Club World Cup.
If discussions progress as expected next week, Real Madrid could soon secure the long-term future of one of the club’s most influential players, ending speculation over a possible move to the Premier League.
