Arsenal are tracking the situation of 26-year-old Brazilian international Vinicius Junior at Real Madrid as his poor form continues.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Vinicius Junior remains a target for Arsenal after the North London club pursued his signature in the summer transfer window. The Gunners are keen on reinforcing their offensive unit by signing a left-winger next year, and they have their sights set on the 26-year-old Real Madrid attacker.
Per Fichajes, the player’s “tanking value” has prompted Real Madrid to consider his sale. This update comes in the wake of recent comments by Jose Mourinho, who suggested that he should have joined Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
Vinicius Junior and his progress at Real Madrid
Vinicius Junior has blossomed into a world-class attacker since joining Real Madrid from Flamengo in July 2018. The 26-year-old hit the ground running upon arriving in Spain, and he has made significant progress over the last eight years. However, the player’s form has plummeted this season, inviting widespread critique on his standing in the team and future at Real Madrid.
The Brazilian international has made 386 appearances for Real Madrid thus far, scoring 129 goals and providing 103 assists. However, his struggles in the ongoing campaign have led to a paltry tally of one goal and three assists in 11 outings. The international break did not provide any respite either, and the return to club football was brutal, as a red card against Villarreal earned him a four-game ban in La Liga.
What next?
Despite struggling in the first two months of the 2026/27 season, Vinicius Junior remains popular in the market. Arsenal, after coming close to a summer move, have continued to track him. Mikel Arteta reinforced the attack by signing Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge in the most recent window. However, the Gunners need another winger after selling Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
With Tzolis the only specialist left-sided attacker in Arteta’s squad, Arsenal must target reinforcements in the winter window. The Real Madrid star, despite his struggles this season, brings an impressive overall record of 129 goals and 103 assists for Los Blancos and offers the pace and productivity the Gunners need from the left wing.
The Brazilian attacker’s arrival would complement the style of play that other attackers have, and his pace and elite goal-return would address a specific gap left by the departures of Martinelli and Trossard, offering Arteta a proven left-flank alternative.
With pressure growing on Vinicius and Real Madrid increasingly receptive to a sale in January, a belated arrival at the Emirates is not out of the question. The deal hinges on the price the Spanish giants demand in the coming months.
