Arsenal learn fee and transfer conditions to sign Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid

Real Madrid are reportedly demanding big-money for Vinicius Jr this summer, with Arsenal exploring a move for the Brazilian winger

Real Madrid are reportedly demanding at least €160million (£137m) for Vinicius Junior amid Arsenal's interest. The Gunners are considering a swoop for the winger, with Real Madrid determined to avoid losing the Brazil international on a free transfer when his contract runs out next summer.

The 26-year-old is viewed as an option to strengthen Arsenal's left flank as they seek to cement their position as Premier League champions under Mikel Arteta. The forward notched 22 goals and registered 14 assists in 53 outings for Los Blancos last season - despite the Spanish giants experiencing a disappointing campaign.

And with negotiations over fresh terms at the Santiago Bernabeu having reportedly hit an impasse, it could present an ideal chance for Arteta's side to secure one of the game's premier attacking talents.

However, Spanish publication SPORT claims that the Gunners will be required to shatter the British transfer record to capture him. Alexander Isak's £125m switch from Newcastle United to Liverpool last summer stands as the current highest sum.

Should Arsenal meet the reported £137m asking price, they would eclipse that record by a minimum of £12m, though Real may demand more. The report in SPORT also indicates that the La Liga club will refuse to enter discussions unless the figure is satisfied.

It's understood that the 15-time Champions League champions wish to establish a sufficiently high threshold to discourage speculative enquiries regarding any transfer, including add-ons tied to performance and silverware secured.

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It's reported that the player and club arranged to convene at the conclusion of July to explore a potential contract extension - with Arsenal certain to monitor developments closely should negotiations falter.

Real manager Jose Mourinho has allegedly made his position clear that he desires Vinicius Jr. to stay at the Spanish capital outfit. The Telegraph reports that Mourinho would oppose the notion of the Brazilian departing the Santiago Bernabeu to finalise a switch to Arteta's side.

However, Real may require raising capital, as reports indicate they are contemplating a £102m pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande. Arsenal are also understood to have lodged an enquiry for the Ivorian. Yet if Diomande opts for Real, that could heighten the likelihood of Vinicius Jr. arriving at the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Despite astonishment surrounding a potential acquisition of the Los Blancos star, Arteta has demonstrated an ambition for the club to compete for the world's elite talent.

In 2024, when Kylian Mbappe was poised to depart Paris Saint-Germain upon expiry of his contract, Arteta was direct in his answer when questioned whether Arsenal needed to enter the race for such players. "Exactly," he replied.

"Why not? If we want to be the best team, then you need to have the best players, that's for sure."

He added: "When there is a player of that calibre, we always have to be in that conversation. But it looks in a different way, that's what I would say."