Arsenal are exploring a shock deal to sign Vinícius Júnior from Real Madrid, with the Premier League champions having made an inquiry for the Brazil international. The 26-year-old forward has just one year remaining on his contract at the Bernabéu, as [reported by The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/25/arsenal-inquiry-transfer-vinicius-junior-real-madrid).
Vinícius's future at Real has been thrown into doubt following José Mourinho's return as head coach. Mourinho, who signed a three-year deal at the Bernabéu, previously sparked controversy when, as Benfica manager, he commented after Vinícius accused an opponent of racial abuse, saying "something happens, always" in matches where the Brazilian plays.
Any move for Vinícius is at a formative stage, with Mikel Arteta seeking a marquee signing to build on Arsenal's first Premier League title in more than two decades. The forward scored 22 goals for Real last season and four for Brazil at the World Cup.
