Vinicius has not yet signed an extension with Real Madrid in the context that his contract with Los Blancos is only valid for 1 year. If the two sides cannot find common ground, from January 2027, Vinicius will be free to negotiate with any team he wants. At that time, Real Madrid is also facing the risk of losing one of the world's leading famous attacking stars for free.
Up to this point, the Spanish team is getting closer to an agreement with the Brazilian striker, but there is no 100% certainty. This is considered a rare concession by the Bernabeu home team before the resolute pressure from Vinicius's representative. Don't forget Arsenal is waiting and if Real - Vinicius breaks the deal, the English team will jump into the deal with a very serious number.
Facing a major turning point in the future at the age of 26, how will Vinicius consider?
Staying at Real Madrid...
Although Real Madrid has the appearance of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius's role has not decreased because of this. This is also in the opinion of coach Jose Mourinho when he wants this attacking duo to lead the team's forward line in the 2026-27 season.
Besides Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid is considered to have owned young talent Yan Diomande. Don't forget that the team still has Jude Bellingham, forming a super attacking quartet. Vinicius's talent is undeniable, but to stand in the ranks of so many talents, not many teams can give him that opportunity like Real Madrid.
If Arsenal has ambitions to win the Champions League after reaching the final last season, Real Madrid also sets a similar goal. With the transfer leverage this summer, Los Blancos are showing great determination.
Vinicius has won 2 Champions Leagues with Real Madrid but has never touched the Ballon d'Or. In a season without the World Cup and EURO, the championship of this tournament will be a great plus to help him achieve that.
...or to Arsenal
With the club's position on the European football map, if he leaves Real Madrid to go to Arsenal, it can be considered a step backwards in his career. However, next season, this is not necessarily true.
Last season, Real Madrid experienced their 2nd consecutive campaign completely empty-handed. Meanwhile, Arsenal won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final, only losing to PSG in the penalty shootout. Don't forget that Real Madrid was also Arsenal's defeated opponent in the 2024-25 season. In terms of form and title winning ability at this time, the "Gunners" are not inferior to the "White Vultures".
If in Real Madrid, Vinicius's aura may not be the brightest when Mbappe and Bellingham are still there. Once he moves to Arsenal, he will be the highest-class player, receive the best treatment and also the most Champions League champion in the squad.
The race is at its most intense
Real Madrid has now raised the negotiation level with Vinicius to nearly 30 million Euros/year, which is exactly the milestone the Brazilian striker wants. The 26-year-old star once mentioned an unprecedented fee as a contract extension bonus. Currently, it is unclear whether Los Blancos will agree to that demand.
On Arsenal's side, in addition to making Vinicius the highest-paid player in the club (possibly the highest in the entire Premier League), The Gunners hope the appearance of the Brazilian striker will help the team's commercial value be pushed to a new level. Arsenal is on a growth trajectory and they hope to put Vinicius at the forefront in the new era.
Is Real Madrid powerful or Arsenal challenging? Vinicius is forced to have an answer right now. Don't forget that if he has to leave the Bernabeu on a free transfer, the Brazilian striker himself will also face many disadvantages when he will suffer significant financial losses, such as signing bonuses, contract bonuses,...
