Speculation continues to mount over future of Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr

Madrid, Aug 6 (IANS) Speculation over whether Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr. will sign a new contract with the club or move to Arsenal shows no sign of easing following developments over the past 24 hours.

Spanish and English media have reported that Real Madrid have made an improved contract offer to the 26-year-old, whose current deal expires at the end of June 2027. Unless he signs an extension, he would be free to leave the club next summer.

However, Spanish sports daily Diario AS reported that the expectation within the Arsenal dressing room is that Vinicius will leave Real Madrid to join the Premier League champion, which is also reportedly close to signing his Brazil teammate Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United in a big-money deal.

Vinicius further fuelled speculation over his future on Tuesday evening by removing all photos from his social media accounts, including his profile picture, posts and images of key moments from his career, effectively erasing his visible history with Real Madrid.

The question is whether Vinicius is preparing to join a new club or simply increasing the pressure before announcing a contract extension, with Barcelona-based newspaper Diario Sport reporting on Thursday that he has agreed to remain at Real Madrid until 2031.

Both Real Madrid and Arsenal are likely to know the answer soon.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have broken the transfer record to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig.

Cote d’Ivoire international striker Yan Diomande has joined Real Madrid from RB Leipzig for a reported fee of around 130 million euros (160 million U.S. dollars), making him the club’s most expensive signing.

The 19-year-old, who impressed for Leipzig last season with 13 goals and nine assists before further enhancing his reputation at this summer’s World Cup, has signed a seven-year contract with the club coached by Jose Mourinho.

“Real Madrid C.F. and RB Leipzig have reached an agreement for the transfer of player Yan Diomande, who will be linked to our club for the next seven seasons, until June 30, 2033,” confirmed the club website on Thursday afternoon.

Diomande is Real Madrid’s fifth summer signing following Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries. His arrival gives Madrid a formidable attack featuring Kylian Mbappe, Silva and Vinicius Junior, although Vinicius has yet to agree an extension to his contract, which expires in June 2027, with Endrick, Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz providing further options.

–IANS

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