Vinicius Jr closing in on new Real Madrid contract despite Arsenal interest
By Joel Masibo, August 6, 2026Real Madrid are increasingly confident of keeping Vinicius Junior at the Santiago Bernabeu after making progress in negotiations over a new contract.
The Brazilian attacker, whose current deal has less than a year remaining, held another round of discussions with club officials on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the team’s training complex.
The latest meeting is understood to have been productive, with Madrid presenting an improved offer as they work towards securing his long-term future.
Although Arsenal have been monitoring the winger’s situation and are keen on signing him, indications remain that Vinicius intends to continue his career in the Spanish capital. Earlier reports suggesting he would remain at Real Madrid have been reinforced following the latest contract talks.
One factor helping the negotiations is the strong connection between Vinicius and recently appointed head coach Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese tactician reportedly sees the Brazilian as one of the central figures in his plans and is determined to build his team around the dynamic forward.
Arteta remains upbeat over Arsenal’s transfer plans
While Arsenal’s pursuit of Vinicius appears to have become more complicated, manager Mikel Arteta insists the club remains positive about strengthening the squad before the transfer window closes.
Speaking after Arsenal’s 3-1 pre-season defeat to Real Betis in Dublin, Arteta said:
“We are even more excited. We are going to attack every possible title, as that’s the ambition we have.
“We will go from strength to strength – whether it’s the players we have to take them to a different level or with the market that is still open to recruit as well. We’re optimistic about it.
“All the work we’ve done during the summer is to understand what we need to do to win again and create a dynasty in this football club at the end.”
Arteta was also questioned about Arsenal’s pursuit of Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes but declined to discuss the deal.
“I cannot talk about any news. You sometimes get it faster than me. I’ve been focused on the match, so I don’t know what’s happened.
“I cannot talk about any player that is not an Arsenal player.”
Guimaraes edging closer to Arsenal switch
Arsenal are on the verge of completing the signing of Bruno Guimaraes after agreeing to a £75 million (Ksh13 billion) deal with Newcastle United. The Brazilian midfielder has been cleared to undergo his medical ahead of the proposed move.
Guimaraes had informed Newcastle earlier in the transfer window that Arsenal would be his preferred destination if the two clubs reached an agreement. Although the Gunners’ initial bid was rejected, negotiations eventually resulted in a breakthrough.
The 28-year-old has been a key figure since joining Newcastle from Lyon in 2022 for £40 million (Ksh7 billion), making 195 appearances and scoring 31 goals.
Newcastle had hoped to retain their captain, whose contract still had two years remaining along with an option for a further season. However, the expected transfer will take the club’s total income from player sales this summer to beyond £240 million (Ksh42.24 billion).
The Magpies have already sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3 million (Ksh12 billion) and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur for £100 million (Ksh17 billion).
Additionally, the departure of manager Eddie Howe has added to what has been a turbulent summer at St James’ Park.