According to Spanish media outlet Directvsports, Arsenal’s technical team has devised an ambitious transfer strategy and plans to make a formal offer of €150M for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior during the January transfer window.
Vinicius Junior has lost his place in the starting lineup at José Mourinho’s Real Madrid, with the emergence of Ivorian forward Yan Diomande pushing him out of the side—a development that has put Arsenal on alert. Mikel Arteta views Madrid’s No. 7 as the upgrade in individual quality needed to defend the Premier League title and pursue the club’s 1st Champions League crown. To fund the sizeable transfer fee and accommodate Vinicius Junior’s high wages while complying with Financial Fair Play rules, Arsenal’s hierarchy has launched a plan to raise €160M through player sales.
The list of players available for sale includes 3 high-profile names: 30-year-old Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino, valued at €30m and closely monitored by Atlético Madrid; 27-year-old defensive midfielder Martín Zubimendi, who has attracted interest from top clubs including Real Madrid, Bayern, Chelsea and Atlético Madrid, with Arsenal hoping to receive €70m; and 28-year-old Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres, who has fallen behind Havertz in the pecking order and is valued at €60m.
With this roadmap in place, Arsenal’s hierarchy will step up negotiations in the first few weeks of December to complete all 3 sales. If they can secure the funds before the end of the year, Arsenal will submit a formal €150m bid to Real Madrid as soon as the 2027 transfer window opens, aiming to complete one of the season’s most sensational transfers.
Vinicius Junior is enduring a difficult spell in the 2026-27 season, with his form declining and his attacking impact noticeably reduced. He has made just 8 La Liga appearances, scoring once and providing 3 assists, and has gone a long time without a goal. He was also sent off against Villarreal in October 2026 and missed El Clásico through suspension. His Champions League record has been similar: he has played 4 matches without scoring. Despite his dip in form, Real Madrid remain committed to the Brazilian forward for the long term. On August 6, 2026, the club announced that he had signed a contract extension through June 30, 2032.
Vinicius Junior’s situation has sparked debate both on the pitch and in the stands over his tactical role and compatibility with the other attacking players, particularly after the team performed well as a unit in his absence. His diminishing influence has been evident in his repeated substitutions and the frustration of sections of the Santiago Bernabéu crowd, who have booed him for his lack of cutting-edge performance and tendency to lose possession. However, Vinicius Jr has publicly expressed confidence that he can turn things around, drawing strength from his experience of overcoming a difficult start at the club.