Vinicius Junior would suffer an immediate blow if he secured a blockbuster move to Arsenal this summer. The winger is being linked with a move to Emirates Stadium, as Vini Jr is already in the final year of his Real Madrid contract. Los Blancos would prefer him to stay at the Bernabeu, but there appears to be a difference in opinion on potential wage demands.

Arsenal have reportedly shown an interest in Vini Jr, and remain on standby if he opts for a new challenge. However, if they are to secure a deal for the Brazil international, Vini Jr will be dealt a major blow upon his arrival in north London. And that’s because his iconic number seven shirt is already being occupied.

Vini Jr wears the number seven for both Real Madrid and Brazil, but at Arsenal, that already belongs to talisman Bukayo Saka. There’s little chance of Saka giving it up for Vini Jr, meaning the 26-year-old would have to choose a different number upon his arrival.

It’s unlikely to bother Arsenal fans too much if the deal does go through, given the nature of the prospective transfer. And the good news for Gunners fans is, according to reports, a breakthrough has been made.

It’s claimed by Hand of Arsenal that the 2025/26 Premier League champions have secured an agreement in principle regarding personal terms with Vini Jr. It’s a big boost for the Gunners, not least because of the rumours surrounding the difference in wages between Vini Jr and Real Madrid.

The Athletic have claimed a move to Arsenal does appeal to Vini Jr, should an agreement with Real Madrid fall through. What’s more, Mikel Arteta is said to really admire the forward and would love to welcome him into his Arsenal squad.

As things stand, all options are on the table, including leaving Real Madrid as a free agent next summer. The situation has taken Real Madrid by surprise, with the expectation that when contract negotiations started, there wasn’t a fear that it would drag on for as long as this.

Vini Jr last extended his deal with Real Madrid in 2022, and his camp purposefully opted for a shorter deal so that they could negotiate on more favourable terms at a sooner date. However, the saga has now gone on for some time, with the possibility of Vini Jr leaving the Spanish giants a genuine possibility.