Real Madrid step up Vinicius Jr contract push with improved offer

Real Madrid have submitted an improved contract offer to Vinicius Jr in an effort to keep the Brazil winger at the Bernabeu. The 26-year-old is entering the final 12 months of his deal, and Arsenal have shown interest in him in recent weeks. Negotiations over a renewal had stalled, but Real have come back with a new offer that Vinicius is said to appreciate. Real are waiting for the forward's decision, and senior figures at the club, including returning head coach Jose Mourinho, are hopeful he will renew. The response is expected within hours rather than days. If he rejects the offer, Arsenal are ready to accelerate their interest. Vinicius signed his most recent extension three years ago, a deal running until 2027, and the club and his representatives have spent the past 18 months in negotiations over another renewal. He reported for pre-season on Monday and completed his first training session and medical assessment after representing Brazil at the World Cup. The winger has made 375 appearances for Real in all competitions, scoring 128 goals. He is believed to want financial recognition as Los Blancos' leading star, although Real have always been strict about their salary structure under president Florentino Perez. Vinicius has previously called Real "the club of my dreams" and said he hopes to remain there "for many years." Arsenal, meanwhile, have made him their priority left-wing target if his situation changes.