Vinicius Junior: Real Madrid could open door for Arsenal deal after 'disastrous' twist

Real Madrid could hand Arsenal the opportunity to sign Vinicius Junior despite leading the race, sources have told Football Insider.

The 26-year-old is believed to be keen to extend his stay at the Bernabeu despite the ongoing speculation, and hopes an agreement can be reached in contract talks.

However, Mikel Arteta's side are keeping a close eye on the situation and believe that if Los Blancos fail to agree terms, they are now in a strong position to land him.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Real Madrid will be prepared to cash in on Vinicius Junior if he does not put pen to paper.

The Brazil superstar has just one year remaining on his current contract, and should they fail to reach an agreement, they would prefer to sell rather than let him run down his deal.

Losing Vinicius Junior on a free transfer would be seen as a "disaster" for Real Madrid and they are determined to avoid that scenartio at any cost.

Could Vinicius Junior join Arsenal this summer?

Football Insider revealed on 31 July that Vinicius Junior would "ideally" like to extend his stay at Real Madrid despite entertaining the possibility of a move to Arsenal.

However, that is not seen as a major concern for the Gunners, who remain hopeful that a deal can be reached and could be encouraged if contract talks stall.

Discussions over the winger's future have been ongoing in Madrid for months, and if no breakthrough is reached soon, all parties may open the door for his exit.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "It's going to be ongoing for the next couple of weeks.

"I'm sure talks over a new deal with Real Madrid will step up in the coming weeks before the close of the window and with the player set to return to pre-season training.

"But if no new deal can be agreed with Real Madrid, for whatever reason, then they could open the door for Arsenal. We will learn more in the next few weeks.

"It's going to be a story that's going to dominate the headlines between now and the close of the window.

"If he doesn't sign a new deal, Real Madrid reluctantly will have to cash in on him because it would be a disaster for them if he was to see out his contract and leave for free."

What is the latest on Vinicius Junior's contract talks?

Vinicius Junior has been in talks to extend his Real Madrid contract for months as they desperately scramble for him to commit his future and deter any suitors.

While Arsenal are now the latest to join the race and have become the leading contenders should he opt to move on, there has also been long-term interest from the Saudi Pro League.

Football Insider revealed in April that Vinicius Junior is locked in talks with Real Madrid and all parties are working towards reaching an agreement on a new deal.

However, recent reports have suggested those talks has stuttered, with Los Blancos not yet having agreed to the lofty wage demands and extended package he is asking for.

Any deal is likely to depend on differing percentages over the player's image rights, although Arsenal are believed to be confident on the financial side, handing them another boost.