Vinicius Junior could leave Real Madrid as contract talks reach critical stage

Real Madrid are prepared to allow Vinicius Junior to leave if negotiations over a new contract fail, according to sources familiar with the situation who have spoken to ESPN.

The club have decided not to improve their latest offer to the Brazil forward, leaving the final decision with the 26-year-old, the sources said. Vinicius must now choose whether to accept the proposal on the table or consider moving to another club.

The player is due to return to Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training centre next Monday to begin preparations for the new season. His current contract has only one year remaining, placing added pressure on the club as it weighs how to proceed.

Real Madrid’s position represents a significant change in the negotiations, which have remained unresolved for several months. Vinicius has not shown any urgency to sign a new agreement, while no date has yet been set for another meeting between the club’s officials and the player’s representatives.

Sources say Arsenal are monitoring the situation closely and could find themselves in a strong negotiating position if Vinicius decides to leave Real Madrid. However, a source close to the player has denied that there have been any direct contacts with the Premier League champions.

The uncertainty comes after a difficult period for Vinicius during the previous season under former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso. The forward was understood to have been frustrated by aspects of the campaign, including his substitution during a clasico match at Santiago Bernabeu.

That disappointment was compounded by Real Madrid ending the season without a major trophy for the second consecutive campaign. Vinicius’ situation has therefore become one of the club’s most significant issues as preparations begin for the next season.

A decision to sell or release the Brazil international would mark a dramatic turn in his Real Madrid career. He joined the Spanish club from Brazil in 2018 and has since developed into one of the leading players in world football.

Vinicius has scored in two Champions League finals and finished second in the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting. His performances have established him as one of Real Madrid’s most influential attacking players, making the stalled contract discussions particularly significant for the club.

Despite his status, Real Madrid have maintained that their latest renewal offer is final. Unless the player changes his position and agrees to the proposed terms, the club appear ready to consider his departure rather than increase the offer.

For now, Vinicius is expected to report for pre-season training, with his future at Real Madrid still unresolved. The absence of a scheduled meeting means the impasse could continue into the start of the new campaign, while Arsenal remain alert to developments.