A major contract story is developing around Vinicius Junior this morning, with reports from TEAMtalk claiming Real Madrid have decided not to improve their current renewal offer to the Brazilian.
With his contract expiring in 2027, Madrid face losing their biggest asset on a free transfer unless a deal is struck this summer. Intermediaries acting on Vinicius' behalf have reportedly contacted Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, PSG and Bayern Munich to explore interest.
ESPN's Madrid correspondent Alex Kirkland reports that the gap between Vinicius' wage demands and what the club are offering remains the sticking point. Madrid are said to be willing to sell him this summer rather than risk a free transfer in 2027. Saudi Arabia is also monitoring the situation, though a move to the Middle East is not understood to appeal to the player at this stage.
Vinicius himself said this morning at his press conference that he wants to stay at Real Madrid and trusts president Florentino Perez to sort things at the right time. But with the UCL quarter-final against Bayern tonight, the contract saga will simmer in the background all week.
