Man Utd make €200m Vinicius Jr bid as shock resignation changes everything for Real Madrid star

Vinicius Junior’s future at Real Madrid is the subject of more speculation after 3-0 Champions League defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in which the Brazilian disappointed.

Aside from a shot wide in the first half, Vini Jr, like Los Blancos’ other star figures, were unable to influence the match in North London and find themselves staring down the barrel of a European Cup exit.

The future of the 24-year-old had been in the air even before that heavy defeat, with reports of a €300 million bid from the Saudi Pro League.

But while that possibility is looking increasingly distant, Man Utd are now linked with a stunning €200m bid for the player by Fichajes.

Facing what is described as a “profound sporting crisis”, Ruben Amorim’s side have earmarked Vinicius Junior as the solution to their troubles. Man Utd believe that he can “revolutionise” their team.

However, there is an understanding that they will need to win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League to stand any chance of making a deal happen.

What is not mentioned, however, is how Man Utd plan to negotiate their tight Financial Fair Play (FFP) situation that will force them to sell before any signings are made.

While there is a €75m bid in for Antony, two more such sales will likely be required to make such a lavish purchase possible.

Vini Jr: Saudi negotiations stall

Vinicius Junior, meanwhile, is moving away from the Saudi Pro League, according to ESPN Brasil.

It reports that there has been no contact with the big-spending division since December and crucially points out that the decision of Saad Al-Lazeez to resign from his position as vice president of the competition in March is liable to have a huge bearing on the future of the player.

Al-Lazeez was responsible for the Vinicius deal and was the figure spearheading the move with the Real Madrid star’s representatives.

The South American was reported offered a “proposal very close to the player’s current salary”, and it appears to have been the counterproposal from Vinicius Junior’s entourage that has had the figures that have generated the headlines. The Saudi Pro League has not accepted such a deal.

All this is positive news for Real Madrid – and Man Utd if their interest really is genuine. Los Blancos, who have grown unhappy with the player’s behaviour in recent times, have made no headway of their own and are waiting to see the outcome of their season before reopening talks.

Arsenal, then, have done Madrid and Vini Jr no favours.