Vinicius Jr signs six-year extension with Real Madrid until 2032

Vinicius Jr has agreed a new six-year contract with Real Madrid that will keep him at the Bernabeu until 30 June 2032, the club announced on Thursday. The 26-year-old had entered the final 12 months of his previous deal and had attracted interest from Arsenal in recent weeks.

Vinicius joined Real from Brazilian side Flamengo in 2018 and signed a contract extension three years ago. Real and his representatives had been in talks over a fresh deal for the past 18 months, with negotiations at an impasse until the club made a new offer on Wednesday. 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 posted on Instagram: "Eight years at the Bernabeu are too short... Six more years, and then forever." "Vinicius Jr has become one of the most important players in one of the most successful periods in our history," said the club in a statement.

He has scored 128 goals in 375 appearances for Real across all competitions. For Brazil he has 13 goals in 54 caps. During his time at the club he has helped Real win two Champions League titles, three La Ligas and one Copa del Rey.

It is understood Arsenal would have accelerated their interest in the Brazilian if he had rejected Real's terms but the Premier League champions must now look elsewhere as they target a left-sided forward. Vinicius' contract extension was announced on the same day Real confirmed the signing of Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig for a fee worth up to £120m (140m euros). Diomande is Real's sixth summer signing under new head coach Jose Mourinho, joining Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella and Carlos Espi.

Real are also targeting Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri. They now face competition for the player from bitter rivals Barcelona.