Real Madrid are pursuing RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, which could be good news for Arsenal.
Standard Sport understands Arsenal are monitoring the situation of Vinicius Junior at Real Madrid as they are interested in signing the Brazil international if he does become available, with the conditions for a deal being explored.
Vinicius Jr is in to the final year of his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu and there has been a lack of progression regarding an extension, despite comments from Real Madrid’s president Florentino Perez in June when he stepped in to clarify the winger’s future.
“Vini is one of the best players in the world and he is delighted to be a Madrid player,” Perez explained. “He was decisive in winning the last two European Cups and he has one year left on his contract.
“There is still time, but I tell you Vinicius wants to stay at Madrid and I want him to stay.”
Unless an agreement is struck and Vinicius Jr signs a new deal, Real Madrid run the risk of losing the Brazilian for free next summer – of for a cut-price fee in the January transfer window.
While Arsenal are in the market for a left winger and would be ready to swoop for the 26-year-old, no direct conversations have taken place with Real and a potential deal would rely on Vinicius Jr deciding he does not want to sign a new contract in Madrid.
That said, it would appear Los Blancos are bracing themselves for a potential exit by lining up a replacement.
As per the Athletic, Real Madrid have entered the race to sign Diomande and are in talks with RB Leipzig over a potential deal for the 19-year-old winger.
Some reports have even gone as far to claim Madrid are expected return with new bid for the Ivory Coast international after seeing a surprise €100million (£85.4m) offer rejected by Leipzig, who are holding out for a fee closer to €130m (£111m).
Diomande, who scored 15 goals last season, is predominately a right-winger but can operate from the opposite flank – where Vinicius Jr usually does his damage for Real Madrid and Brazil.
