The Brazilian winger, who has one year remaining on his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu, has been heavily linked with a move to north London, with reports claiming Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is eager to bring him to the Emirates.
The Gunners are also said to be prepared to make Vinicius their highest-paid player with a contract worth more than £350,000 per week.
Despite the speculation, the 26-year-old is reportedly prioritising a new contract with Real Madrid and has told those close to him that he wants to remain at the club.
According to Spanish journalist Tomas Roncero, Vinicius also wants to avoid leaving Madrid as a free agent next year because of what the club has done for him since signing him from Flamengo as an 18-year-old.
Roncero claimed the Brazil international told friends he could not leave the Spanish giants without ensuring the club receives a transfer fee if he ever decides to move on.
“They invested €45 million when I was just a promise. Madrid has given me everything, and I cannot leave without the club receiving something in return,” Roncero quoted the player as saying.
Real Madrid and Vinicius are expected to resume contract talks once the forward returns from his post-World Cup break in Brazil, with both parties keen to reach an agreement before the new season begins.
Since joining Los Blancos from Flamengo in 2017, Vinicius has established himself as one of the club’s biggest stars, scoring 128 goals and providing 100 assists in 375 appearances.
He has also helped Madrid win 14 major trophies, including three La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League crowns.
While Arsenal continue to monitor the situation, the latest reports suggest Vinicius’ priority remains extending his stay at Real Madrid rather than pursuing a move to the Premier League.
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