Real Madrid refuse to offer Vinicius same salary as Mbappe; final proposal worth €24 million

According to Cadena SER, Real Madrid remain firm in their contract negotiations with Vinicius Jr. and are unwilling to make him the club’s highest-paid player, despite ongoing talks over a new deal.

The standoff has been building for more than a year. Reports dating back to 2025 indicated that the Brazilian wanted a contract comparable to Kylian Mbappe’s, while Real Madrid were determined not to break their wage structure.

Although discussions have resumed, the gap between the two sides remains significant, with Arsenal keeping a close eye on the situation.

Real Madrid increase their offer, but draw a line

Over the course of negotiations, Real Madrid have gradually improved their proposal.

Vinícius previously earned around €18 million per season under his existing contract. The club first increased its offer to €20 million, before raising it again to €22 million per year in a proposed extension running until 2031.

Performance-related bonuses linked to achievements such as winning the Champions League, LaLiga, or the Ballon d’Or could increase the package to approximately €24 million annually.

However, club officials have made it clear they will not go beyond those figures.

Vinicius, meanwhile, is reportedly seeking a salary of around €30 million per season, a demand Real Madrid have already rejected.

Mbappe’s salary remains untouchable

One of the club’s priorities is maintaining its internal wage hierarchy.

Real Madrid do not intend to offer Vinicius a contract that matches or exceeds Mbappe’s earnings, which is high because of the signing-on bonus he received after arriving as a free agent.

As such, the Brazilian international would continue to sit below the French forward in the club’s salary structure if he renews. That principle has remained unchanged throughout negotiations.

Personal factors also influence the situation

The contract negotiations are not solely about finances.

The report suggests that Vinicius has become frustrated with aspects of his experience in Spanish football, including criticism from sections of the media and hostile treatment from some supporters.

He also continues to feel strongly about the racist abuse he has faced during his time in Spain, an issue that has had a significant impact on him personally.

While those concerns do not determine the outcome of the negotiations on their own, they form part of the wider context surrounding one of the biggest contract sagas of the summer.

Negotiations continue

Despite the current impasse, both Real Madrid and Vinicius still have time to reach an agreement.

The club remain committed to extending the Brazilian’s contract, but only within their established financial framework.

Vinicius, meanwhile, must decide whether to accept those terms or continue exploring the alternatives available to him, with Arsenal remaining the most closely linked potential destination.

Real Madrid are entering what could be the most decisive stage of Vinicius Jr.’s contract saga, with a meeting scheduled with the player’s camp.

These contractual negotiations have been dragging on for far too long now, with the two parties unable to reach an agreement.

Vinicius has laid out his demands to sign a new contract with the Spanish club, which the Merengues do not see as feasible.

Now, according to journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic, the negotiations are very evenly poised, and Arsenal believe they have a real chance of pulling off a coup this summer.

The Brazilian’s future is still balanced between three possibilities: signing a new contract, remaining until 2027 before leaving for free, or completing a blockbuster move to Arsenal.

Loyalty bonus adds another layer

Ornstein reports that Vinicius is seeking a salary of around €28 million per year, something Real Madrid are not keen on agreeing to, with the club offering as much as €22 million plus €2 million in add-ons.

The journalist also adds that salary is not the only issue complicating negotiations. Vinicius is also owed a loyalty bonus under his current Real Madrid contract, reportedly worth around €10 million or potentially even more.

Real Madrid would have little issue paying that amount if the Brazilian commits his future by signing a new deal.

However, paying such a bonus only for the player to leave on a free transfer next summer would be a far less appealing outcome from the club’s perspective.

This explains why the club chiefs at Real Madrid are of the opinion that the 26-year-old must be sold if he does not renew his contract this summer.

Arsenal remain all-in

Arsenal’s interest has also intensified behind the scenes, with the Gunners growing optimistic of their chances.

The Premier League champions believe Vinicius would be open to joining them if he does not renew with Real Madrid, although that remains entirely dependent on the outcome of the contract talks.

Arsenal have been working on the operation for much longer than was publicly known, with the club internally approving the financial framework required for a potential deal.

The Gunners are ready to make Vinicius the face of their project at the Emirates, and Mikel Arteta is keen on bringing him to London.

Parallels with Cristiano Ronaldo

The financial gap between Real Madrid and Vinicius parties remains the central obstacle. This situation has drawn parallels to the one involving Cristiano Ronaldo, when Madrid refused to give the Portuguese international what he was asking for.

Ronaldo eventually left the club to sign for Juventus, and there is a good chance the same happens with Vinicius and Arsenal this summer.

Jose Mourinho has already made it clear that he wants Vinicius to remain at the club, while Real Madrid themselves still see a contract renewal as the preferred outcome.

However, Los Blancos are also not the kind of club who would break their salary structure just to keep one player, even if he is Vinicius.

The upcoming meeting is pivotal for all parties involved. It either ends with Vinicius and Real Madrid shaking hands and agreeing on a new deal, or the club finding a new destination for the Brazilian.

Arsenal, meanwhile, continue to wait to see how these talks evolve.

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