Arsenal are reportedly prepared to make Vinicius Junior the highest-paid player in Premier League history in order to sign him from Real Madrid.
The Premier League champions have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Vinicius should he fail to agree a contract extension with Real, whose current deal expires next year.
Vinicius, a global superstar widely considered one of the best players of his generation, has won three La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues and finished runner-up for the Ballon d'Or in his eight-year spell at the Bernabeu.
The arrival of Vinicius, 26, would bolster an Arsenal squad that ended the club's long wait for a Premier League title last season while also reaching the Champions League final.
Arsenal bosses have approved a huge move for Vinicius, who would become the highest-paid player in the Premier League if he joins the club.
The current highest-paid player in the league is Erling Haaland, who earns £525,000 a week at Manchester City, but Arsenal are willing to exceed that amount to sign Vinicius.
Arsenal hero Jack Wilshere has backed Arteta's pursuit of Vinicius, insisting he would be a 'statement signing' for the Gunners.
'It would definitely be a statement from Mikel [Arteta] and the club that they won the league last year and they’re not resting on that,' Wilshere said.
'They’re ready to go again and want to improve, not just on the pitch but also on the commercial side as well with a player like that.'
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is determined to strike a deal for Vinicius and is working on securing other transfer targets, including Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
