Mourinho backing boosts Real Madrid hopes of keeping Vinicius Junior as Arsenal monitor situation

Real Madrid are waiting for Vinicius Junior to respond to an improved contract offer as they seek to keep the Brazil forward, with Arsenal ready to consider a move if negotiations break down.

According to the British newspaper Daily Mail, Real Madrid have increased their proposal for the 26-year-old, with the new terms worth more than £19m per year.

The offer is designed to strengthen the Spanish club’s position in discussions with Vinicius Junior, whose future has become the focus of growing speculation. Arsenal are monitoring developments closely and could attempt to sign the player if he is unable to reach an agreement with Real Madrid.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has also made it clear that Vinicius Junior is a central part of his plans. The manager’s public support has given the club greater confidence that it can retain the forward and prevent Arsenal from taking advantage of any uncertainty over his contract.

Mourinho’s stance is viewed as an important factor in Real Madrid’s optimism. Although the club is still waiting for a definitive response from Vinicius Junior, the manager’s assessment of the player’s importance has strengthened its belief that the negotiations can be concluded successfully.

However, Vinicius Junior added to the uncertainty on Wednesday evening when he removed all of the content from his Instagram account. Such a move is not unusual in football, and it can have several explanations, but it is often interpreted as a possible sign that a player is unhappy with his current situation.

That action has increased attention on the contract talks, even though it does not by itself confirm that the Brazilian intends to leave Real Madrid. The club remains hopeful that the improved offer, combined with Mourinho’s backing, will be enough to secure the forward’s continued stay.

Arsenal continue to follow the situation in case the discussions reach an impasse. The Gunners are prepared to assess whether there is an opportunity to make an approach, although the latest reports suggest Real Madrid are increasingly confident of resisting their interest.

The north London club’s manager Mikel Arteta has meanwhile appeared confident that Arsenal can complete further deals. That optimism comes after Arsenal signed Greece international Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34m.

The arrival of Tzolis has provided Arsenal with another major addition, while the club continues to keep track of Vinicius Junior’s position. For now, however, Real Madrid remain focused on securing the forward’s response to their revised offer and believe Mourinho’s backing could help them defeat Arsenal’s plan to recruit him.