Real Madrid will hold talks with the agents of Vinicius Jr this week as they try to find common ground on a new contract, with Arsenal still watching developments closely.
Arsenal have posted their interest in a potential move for the 26-year-old should the opportunity arise, though they recognise it would be an expensive deal. Vinicius Jr has one year remaining on his current contract and has yet to agree new terms.
Jose Mourinho wants Vinicius Jr to stay and has telephoned the winger to tell him so directly. Mourinho faced the media on Tuesday as Madrid beat Leganes 4-1 in a friendly, but made no bold statements, with Spanish media expecting the club to keep hold of the player.
Diomande and Guimaraes situations
Madrid are still working to agree a fee with RB Leipzig for winger Yan Diomande, who is reportedly set on a move to the Santiago Bernabeu. Some Arsenal insiders fear their pursuit of Vinicius Jr is futile, while others want to keep pressing in case Madrid fail to reach an agreement.
Newcastle United say they have still to receive a formal offer from Arsenal for Bruno Guimaraes. Arsenal have been preparing a bid of around £70 million for Vinicius Jr's compatriot, though proposals so far have come through his agent. Newcastle insist Guimaraes is not for sale, though manager Eddie Howe admitted last weekend he was unsure where his captain's future lies.
