Real Madrid table improved contract offer to Vinicius Jr

Real Madrid have made Vinicius Jr an improved contract offer at the Bernabeu as they seek to retain the Brazil winger, the 26-year-old who has entered the final 12 months of his contract. Talks over a new deal had been at an impasse but the Spanish side have now tabled fresh terms.

Vinicius is understood to appreciate the new proposal, and senior managers — including returning head coach Jose Mourinho — are hopeful he will sign. The club and his representatives have been in negotiations over a fresh deal for the past 18 months.

Vinicius joined Real Madrid in 2018. He has made 375 appearances for the club in all competitions. In those matches he has scored 128 goals.

He returned to the club on Monday for his first pre-season training session and medical assessment following his World Cup campaign with Brazil. Vinicius signed a contract extension at Real three years ago which runs until 2027.

He is believed to want recognition as Los Blancos' top star financially. Real are traditionally strict about maintaining their salary structure under president Florentino Perez.

Vinicius has publicly described Real as "the club of my dreams" and said he hopes to remain there "for many years".

Arsenal have identified the Brazilian as their priority left-wing target should his position change.

Real now await Vinicius' decision and are understood to be expecting a response within hours rather than days. If Vinicius rejects the contract, Arsenal are willing to accelerate their interest in the Brazilian.