Vinicius Junior makes up his mind between joining Arsenal and staying at Real Madrid
Vinicius Junior "ideally" plans to stay at Real Madrid despite the growing interest from Arsenal, sources have told Football Insider.
The 26-year-old is still locked in contract talks with Los Blancos, and all parties are believed to be keen to reach an agreement before the end of the summer window.
Arsenal are keeping a close eye on the situation and are poised to pounce if no deal can be agreed upon, but as things stand, work is ongoing for the superstar to remain in Madrid.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Vinicius Junior is keen to extend his stay at the Bernabeu and is prepared to snub interest from Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta's side have been working behind the scenes to assess whether a deal for the Brazil international is viable, and believe there could be a deal to be done.
However, that will only be possible if contract negotiations break down, with a deal to stay at Real Madrid still Vinicius Junior's preferred outcome.
Will Arsenal make a formal offer to sign Vinicius Junior?
Football Insider revealed on 26 July that Arsenal have opened preliminary talks to sign Vinicius Junior, with intermediaries heavily involved as they weigh up a formal offer.
Most discussions surrounding the superstar's future have taken place behind the scenes or between the higher powers at both clubs given the enormity of the deal.
While Arsenal are still confident they can reach an agreement and test Real Madrid's resolve, it is becoming increasingly likely that Vinicius Junior will remain in Spain.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "It's going to be difficult deal to do, there's no getting away from that. Real Madrid don't really want to lose Vinicius Junior.
"I'm told that Vinicius Junior ideally would like to renew his contract at Real Madrid as well, but Arsenal are exploring the possibility if there is any chance he could leave.
"He would fit the bill for Arsenal, because he's a world-class player, a proven talent who would definitely improve their squad.
"It's going to be ongoing for the next couple of weeks, and I'm sure talks over a new deal with Real will step up in the coming weeks before the close of the window and when he returns for pre-season training."
What would it take for Arsenal to land Vinicius Junior?
As previously menitoned, any discussions over Vinicius Junior's future have largely taken place among the higher-ups at both clubs, with Arsenal's owners heavily involved.
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider on 30 July that Josh Kroenke is leading the Gunners' pursuit of the Brazil international and is prepared to offer a lucrative contract.
Vinicius Junior is expected to demand a weekly wage of around £470,000, which would represent an increase on the current £400,00 deal he is on at Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos are asking for a fee in the region of £140million to let him go regardless of his contract situation if they are unable to tie him down.
Despite all signs currently suggesting he is likely to stay at Real Madrid, Arsenal are still pushing to reach an agreement, with speculation set to drag on late into the window.