Real Madrid have resumed negotiations with Vinicius Junior after a near year-long standstill, offering the Brazil forward a reported €22m per year to extend a contract that expires in June 2027.
Sources told ESPN that the improved proposal was made after the World Cup, as Real Madrid seek to retain one of their most important players amid growing interest from Arsenal, the reigning Premier League champions.
The new offer represents a significant increase on the terms Real Madrid were prepared to discuss during negotiations over the past two seasons. Vinicius currently earns about €17.5m annually, but there remains a substantial gap between the club’s proposal and the €30m-a-year salary demanded by the player.
The talks have taken on greater urgency because Vinicius, who is 26, is entering the final year of his contract. If no agreement is reached, he could leave Santiago Bernabeu as a free agent at the end of next season. He would also be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club from January.
Vinicius and his representatives regard the next deal as the most important contract of his professional career. They believe it should properly reflect his contribution since he joined Real Madrid in 2018, including his decisive goals in two UEFA Champions League finals.
The forward has become a central figure for the Spanish club during his time in Madrid, and the latest proposal underlines the importance Real Madrid place on keeping him. However, the size of the remaining difference between the two sides means the negotiations are not yet close to a conclusion.
ESPN reported last week that Real Madrid’s hierarchy are open to the possibility of selling the Brazilian during the current summer transfer window if the two parties cannot reach a final agreement over an extension.
That stance adds pressure to the discussions, with the club facing the possibility of either losing a key player without a transfer fee or agreeing terms that meet Vinicius’ expectations. The player’s camp, meanwhile, is seeking a financial package it considers an accurate recognition of his performances and influence since arriving at Santiago Bernabeu.
Vinicius returned to training on Monday after taking a holiday following his participation in the World Cup. He completed routine medical examinations before joining the rest of the squad for group training under new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho.
The timing of his return means the contract issue will remain an important subject around the club as preparations continue. Real Madrid have improved their offer to €22m per season, but Vinicius’ demand for €30m means a final agreement has yet to be reached.
