Arsenal told they can finally sign Vinicius Jr next year thanks to Real Madrid 'problem'

Arsenal's hopes of signing Vinicius Junior's may not be over amid fresh doubts over the Real Madrid star's future.

The Gunners were interested in landing the Brazilian forward in the summer before he eventually penned a new contract with Los Blancos, tying him to the Spanish giants until 2032.

That appeared to end the hopes of Arsenal - or any other club - of signing the 26-year-old. However, following a frustrating start to the season, there is speculation he could be made available in 2027.

Vinicius hasn't been performing to his usual high standards, while there have been concerns over his conduct and he was recently hit with a four-match ban. Pundit and former Real Betis striker Poli Rincon reckons Real will have a "problem" if they intend to keep Vinicius and fellow big names Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe.

He told Cope: "Real Madrid extended Vinicius’s contract so they could sell him in 2027. He has been extraordinary, but if you want to keep Bellingham and Mbappe, you've got a problem. And now we'll have to see who wants Vinicius and for how much."

As it stands, Real have no plans to put Vinicius on the market but an offer of £125million could test their resolve, according to reports in Spain. Mikel Arteta has made signing a top-class forward his top priority in January, reports the Mirror.

Aside from Vinicius, Bournemouth's Junior Kroupi and Kenan Yildiz of Juventus are potential options. Vinicius recently missed the El Clasico victory over Barcelona due to his suspension following a red card against Villarreal.

He was sent off in contentious fashion after he was adjudged to have pulled the hair of Nathan Saliba in the build-up to his disallowed goal. It sparked a furious reaction from Real boss Jose Mourinho, who refused to conduct post-match media duties.

There was further frustration after the Spanish Football Federation dished out a four-match ban. Vinicius received a two-match ban for violent conduct and a further two games for his "protests" after his dismissal.

While he is eligible to feature in the Champions League, he will not play domestically for Real until after the November international break. Despite question marks over the player's future, Mourinho is looking forward to having him back.

The former Chelsea and Tottenham boss said: "I can’t wait for Vini Jr to be back from the sanction because I love him. I need him."