Arsenal’s Vinicius Jr pursuit ended as Brazilian agrees new Real Madrid deal

Arsenal’s pursuit of Vinicius Jr is over after the Brazilian agreed a new contract to stay at Real Madrid.

The 26-year-old has reached an agreement on a new contract, Real Madrid have confirmed, following protracted negotiations.

The breakthrough comes after more than a year of uncertainty surrounding the 26-year-old’s future, with his previous contract due to expire next summer.

Arsenal had been monitoring the situation and exploring the possibility of a move should contract talks fail to progress, but the Premier League champions are now expected to turn their attention elsewhere.

Real Madrid have been confident throughout the negotiations that Vinicius wanted to remain at the Santiago Bernabéu despite interest from several of Europe’s leading clubs.

“Real Madrid C. F. and Vinicius Jr. have agreed on the extension of our player’s contract, which links him to the club until June 30, 2032,” Real Madrid said in a statement.

“Vinicius Jr. joined Real Madrid in July 2018 at the age of 18. In his eight seasons wearing our jersey, he has played 375 matches, scored 128 goals, and won 14 titles: 2 Champions League, 3 Club World Cups, 2 UEFA Super Cups, 3 LaLiga titles, 1 Copa del Rey, and 3 Spanish Super Cups.

“His contribution to all these titles has been pivotal due to his gameplay, assists, and goals, including those scored in the last two Champions League finals won by Real Madrid: the Fourteenth (Paris, 2022) and the Fifteenth (London, 2024).

“During this period with Real Madrid, Vinicius won The Best FIFA Men’s Player Award 2024, was named the Golden Ball of the Intercontinental Cup 2024, Best Player of the Champions League 2023-2024, Golden Ball of the Club World Cup 2022, and Best Young Player of the Champions League 2021-2022.

“Additionally, he was included in the FIFA World XI (2024), twice in the FIFA FIFPro World11 (2023 and 2024), and three times in the Champions League Team of the Season (2021-2022, 2022-2023, and 2023-2024).

“Vinicius Jr. has become one of the most important players in one of the most successful periods in our history.”