What is Vinicius Jr's future amid Arsenal interest?

Real Madrid have tried to renew Vinicius Jr’s contract and opened further talks with him on Monday – but, as of yet, it has been to no avail.

His potential availability has alerted Arsenal, who are among the clubs to have internally explored exploiting the contractual impasse. Teams in Saudi Arabia are also monitoring his situation closely.

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta wants to sign proven talent – and Vinicius fits the bill.

Sources close to Arsenal insist he is just one of a number of options the club are exploring in their search for a left-sided attacker after missing out on Morgan Rogers to Chelsea.

However, BBC Sport understands Arteta has become so smitten with the notion of signing Vinicius that he is viewed internally as the club’s number one target.

As Arsenal discovered with Rogers, there are no guarantees clubs attract their priority targets.

Indeed, Arsenal are realistic about their chances of landing Vinicius Jr. They know it is a long shot.

Similarly, there is an sense emerging from those close to Vinicius Jr that any move to Arsenal is difficult at best.

For most South American footballers, playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona is a lifelong ambition. Leaving the Spanish capital – even for a club as illustrious at Arsenal – would be viewed as, at best, a sidewards step.

With Real being arguably the biggest club on the planet, there is a sense that leaving the Bernabeu would also impact the player’s commercial brand.

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