Vinicius Junior Returns to Real Madrid Training Amid Contract Talks and Arsenal Interest
Vinicius Junior, one of football's brightest stars, is back with Real Madrid after a break linked to his contract negotiations. The Brazilian winger, who joined Madrid from Flamengo in 2018, is preparing for the upcoming season despite uncertainty over his future.
His current deal expires next summer, leaving Madrid with a tough choice: offer a new contract that meets Vinicius’s wage demands, risk losing him on a free transfer, or sell him now for a substantial fee. The club’s decision will shape their squad as Jose Mourinho begins his first season managing Los Blancos.
Return to Training
After an extended absence, partly due to contract talks, Vinicius returned to training at Madrid’s Valdebebas facility on August 3. He passed all pre-season medical tests without issues. Joining him was new signing Bernardo Silva, who arrived on a free transfer from Manchester City.
😉 Train with @ViniJr! — Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) August 3, 2026
Contract Negotiations Stalled
Negotiations between Vinicius and Madrid have reportedly hit a standstill. According to ESPN, the club is unwilling to improve its offer and is waiting to see if the 26-year-old accepts the current terms. The BBC notes that Vinicius already earns well above the commonly cited $604,000 per week figure and is pushing for a significant raise. His leverage comes from the possibility of leaving on a free transfer next summer, which could allow him to demand an even bigger salary elsewhere.
Potential Move to Arsenal?
Arsenal has been frequently linked with Vinicius, aiming to add a global star to their squad as defending Premier League champions. The London club has explored options and positioned itself to pursue the player’s signature if Madrid opts to sell.
Any transfer would be costly—estimated around £130 million ($174 million)—plus meeting Vinicius’s high wage demands. Currently, Arsenal’s top earner, Bukayo Saka, makes about £400,000 ($537,000) weekly, which falls short of Vinicius’s current pay.
Upcoming Matches and Fitness
Having just resumed training, it's unclear if Vinicius will feature in Saturday's friendly against Ferencvaros in Budapest. Madrid have two more friendlies lined up—against Deportivo La Coruna on August 12 and Schalke four days later—before the league starts.
Given his fitness and ongoing contract talks, Madrid might hold him back until his situation is resolved. Mourinho’s team kicks off their La Liga campaign away to Espanyol on August 22, followed by a home game versus Real Sociedad on August 26.
Summary of Key Points
- Vinicius Junior: Star winger with contract expiring next summer
- Current salary: Above $604,000 per week, demanding a significant raise
- Madrid’s stance: Unwilling to increase offer, weighing options to renew, sell, or lose him free
- Arsenal interest: Ready to pursue if Madrid sell, transfer fee estimated at £130 million
- Training status: Returned August 3, fitness for upcoming friendlies uncertain
- Mourinho’s season start: La Liga opener on August 22 against Espanyol
