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Arsenal are the only major European heavyweight still closely monitoring the contract stand-off between Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior, with the North London club hoping to be the side that eventually gains from the situation.

What has become evident in recent days, though, is that both Real Madrid and Vinicius want to continue together, and that the only real point of disagreement between the two sides concerns salary and the wider financial terms.

With the way matters had been unfolding, Arsenal’s hierarchy were understood to have accepted that Vinicius was not a realistic target and that he would ultimately renew his contract in Madrid.

Now, according to Rodra, Arsenal’s owners have entered the picture and are prepared to go all in to sign Vinicius this summer. They are said to remain unfazed by the ongoing negotiations.

Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta and his staff, are serious about Vinicius.

The Premier League club have now established direct contact with the player’s agency, Roc Nation, and have put forward their vision for a transfer, including the idea of making him the central figure in their project.

This marks a major development, as it signals a significant advance from the English club, whose interest until now had been viewed as largely speculative. Direct communication with Vinicius’ camp, however, underlines a clear intention to turn that interest into something concrete.

Earlier this week, reports had suggested that Real Madrid had tabled a fresh and improved contract proposal, with terms closer to what Vinicius had been asking for.

However, the Spanish journalist disputes that version of events and insists there has been no movement at all in the renewal talks with Real Madrid. According to that account, there has been neither a formal offer nor even a meeting between the parties.

Everything now hinges on Vinicius and what he believes is the right move for his future. For a renewal to happen, both the player and the club would need to make certain compromises, but at this stage it appears the greater compromise would have to come from his side.

Vinicius is due back in training on Friday, and discussions over either a renewal or a possible exit are expected to gather pace from that point onward. The time has now come for the club to take a definitive call on his future and clarify its final position in negotiations.