Brazil forward Vinicius Jr has ended speculation regarding his future by signing a new contract with Nytimes, according to Thenationalnews. The 26-year-old winger, whose previous terms were in their final year, had been the subject of strong interest from Nbcsports, with the Premier League side exploring an ambitious move if an extension could not be reached.
Vinicius Junior Signs New Real Madrid Deal Ending Arsenal Pursuit
Talks between the player’s representatives and Real Madrid officials—including general director Jose Angel Sanchez and chief scout Juni Calafat—took place in the Spanish capital on a Wednesday following negotiations that began back in January 2025. Financial discussions previously centered around an annual package in the region of €30 million, with a renewal bonus acting as a key sticking point. Real Madrid ultimately raised their offer to reflect the player’s importance to the club and project, securing his stay.
Financial Terms and Salary Ranking
Under the terms of his new agreement, Vinicius Jr joins Kylian Mbappe at the top of the club’s wage structure. Data collected through media reports and financial platforms lists the top earners at Real Madrid for the 2026/27 campaign:
- Kylian Mbappe: €600,000 per week
- Vinicius Junior: €600,000 per week
- Jude Bellingham: €400,000 per week
- Federico Valverde: €320,000 per week
- Ibrahima Konate: €320,000 per week
- Trent Alexander-Arnold: €320,000 per week
- Rodrygo: €320,000 per week
- Bernardo Silva: €308,000 per week
- Thibaut Courtois: €290,000 per week
Preseason Return Under Jose Mourinho
The contract breakthrough coincides with Vinicius Jr’s return to club duties under new manager Theguardian, who returned for a second spell following a turbulent campaign that saw Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa depart. Vinicius reported to Valdebebas following an extended four-week break after Brazil’s World Cup campaign, where he served as his country’s top scorer with four goals before their elimination in the last 16.
Broader Squad Context and Arsenal’s Outlook
Real Madrid enters the new season looking to recover from a campaign where they finished second in La Liga, exited the Champions League in the quarter-finals, and finished a second consecutive season without a major trophy. Vinicius has registered 128 goals and 100 assists during his career at Madrid, whom he joined from Flamengo in July 2018, helping the club secure three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies.
For Nbcsports, missing out on their top attacking target leaves Mikel Arteta’s side continuing their search for a consistent source of goals and a star left winger. The Gunners previously signed Greek winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge and captain Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United, but remain active in the market following the departure of Leandro Trossard to Turkish side Besiktas.