Vinicius Junior to Arsenal: Odds slashed on deal being agreed
Vinicius Junior is now more likely to join Arsenal than any other club this summer according to new odds from numerous top bookmakers.
Mikel Arteta is looking to add some real top quality to his squad this summer to build on his maiden Premier League title triumph with Arsenal.
The Gunners have only made three signings so far this summer, with Piero Hincapie's loan made permanent, Illan Meslier signed as a backup keeper and Christos Tzolis arriving from Club Brugge.
They remain in the market for more forward additions this summer, with Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez believed to be firmly on their radar.
Vinicius' future at Real Madrid is up in the air as it stands, with his current contract set to expire next June as talks over a new deal continue to stall.
Despite few rumours linking the two parties together as yet, some top UK bookies have made Arsenal the new favourites to sign the Brazil star if he does choose to leave Madrid this summer.
Arsenal now 2/1 favourites to sign Vinicius Junior amid contract uncertainty
Vinicius proved his status as one of the world's top players at Real last season, with 23 goals and 11 assists in 59 appearances across all competitions.
He is yet to win a top individual prize at 26-years-old, however, and may look for a move away from the Spanish capital this summer to become the main man at another top team.
Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Real are locked in contract talks with Vinicius amid interest in his services from Man City.
With some uncertainty over his future, two of the UK's top bookmakers have installed Arsenal as the new favourites to be his club after the summer window, at odds of 2/1.
'Any Saudi Arabian team' is priced at 6/1, while Man United come in at odds of 9/1 and both City and Liverpool are priced at 10/1 odds.
What has Vinicius said about his future at Madrid?
Vinicius' future could look more unlikely now that Real are advancing in a move to sign RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, as he can play on either flank.
He has made it clear that he loves playing for Los Blancos, despite some criticism over the last 12 months, but insisted that he is not in a rush to sign a new deal.
Speaking in May, he said: “I’m not in a hurry to renew my contract. I’m tied to the club until 2027. So between now and 2027, there’s still a lot for Madrid and me to discuss. Madrid are calm, I’m calm. The president trusts me and I trust him. That’s all there is to it. We just have to wait, live each day and each moment, and enjoy being at the best club in the world.
“I’ve never imagined myself away from Real Madrid. I enjoy every moment I spend here because this is my dream club. I always dreamed of playing here and being able to stay for so long. Now I’m one of the captains of the team. Even at such a young age, that’s something very special that doesn’t happen often in football history. So I enjoy every moment, but I’m still not in a hurry to renew my contract."