​Arsenal FC v Real Madrid C.F. – UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg GettyMADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 16: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid attempts to shoot under pressure from William Saliba of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Real Madrid C.F. and Arsenal FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) GettyPremier League club Arsenal F.C. is optimistic about landing forward Vinicius from Real Madrid this summer. The Brazilian superstar’s future with Los Blancos is up in the air as he enters the final year of his current contract. It was revealed on August 5 that the forward and Madrid brass met to discuss a potential extension. There is a growing feeling that the negotiations did not go well.The Athletic’s David Ornstein is now reporting that Real is offering Vinicius an annual contract of €22 million ($25.4 million). The star, however, is holding out for a salary of around €28 million ($32.3 million). This is a fairly significant difference. Speaking on The Athletic FC Podcast, Ornstein revealed that Arsenal are willing to meet Vinicius Junior’s demands if Real does not.“I think there’s optimism around Arsenal based on all the conversations they’ve had and the work that they’ve undertaken,” stated Ornstein. “There’s approval at all levels from the very top. Mikel Arteta is really driving this and is extremely keen, backed by the Kroenkes at ownership level.”Ornstein went on to suggest that Arsenal believes Vinicius is open to joining the reigning Premier League club. “I think there’s a feeling at Arsenal that he wants to come, but that’s if he doesn’t stay at Real Madrid,” continued the reporter. “If he doesn’t stay at Real Madrid, he wants to come to Arsenal is the feeling in North London. That’s obviously a big if.”Arsenal Unlikely to Break Transfer Record in Vinicius Junior DealGettyVinicius Junior is the only Real Madrid player to ever score a competitive goal against Arsenal.Assuming Arsenal does ultimately land Vinicius Junior, the Brazilian would immediately become their highest-paid player. This is a fairly drastic understatement. The biggest earner at the North London club is fellow star forward Bukayo Saka. According to Spotrac.com, the England international currently earns around $21 million per year.On top of paying Vinicius, Arsenal would also obviously have to give Real Madrid a suitable transfer fee. While the dynamic forward is set to enter his final year under contract, Real would still slap a huge asking price on their star. In fact, the Gunners could end up breaking the Premier League’s transfer record. Liverpool currently have the record by paying Newcastle around $168 million for Alexander Isak.The Athletic’s Conor O’Neill, however, believes that Arsenal should be able to avoid setting a new league record. O’Neill claims that Vinicius Junior’s curr