Arsenal is attempting to lure Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior with a record salary in order to convince him to leave the Royal Club.
Vinicius Junior's fate remains unclear amid the lack of renewal of his contract with Real Madrid, and Arsenal's attempts to sign him this summer.
According to the newspaper "The Telegraph", the English Premier League champion is preparing a record offer to attract Vinicius Junior to join them at the Emirates Stadium.
The Brazilian international player, who is entering the final year of his contract with Real Madrid, currently earns around 470,000 euros per week (400,000 pounds sterling), but Arsenal is reportedly prepared to offer a higher salary, which would make him the highest-paid player in the English club's history.
Arsenal has had a quiet summer in terms of transfers so far, having only signed winger Christos Tzolis and goalkeeper Illan Meslier, but the pursuit of Vinicius would represent a radical shift for coach Mikel Arteta.
The newspaper noted that Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid's new coach, does not wish to lose any of his top players, but the situation could become complicated for Mourinho, as Arsenal is preparing to explore all avenues to sign Vinicius, who has only 12 months remaining on his contract.
Reports indicated that the London club's management has examined the financial aspects of the deal and believes money will not be an obstacle; however, no official contact has taken place between the two clubs so far.