Arsenal transfer target Vinicius Junior has returned to training with Real Madrid following his post-World Cup break, amid continued speculation over his future at the Spanish club.
The Brazilian forward was granted time off after Brazil’s disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign, which ended in a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 under Carlo Ancelotti.
Despite the early exit, Vinicius impressed by finishing as Brazil’s top scorer at the tournament with four goals.
Real Madrid confirmed on Monday that the 26-year-old has resumed training alongside Brahim Diaz.
“Vini Jr. and Brahim have rejoined Real Madrid after their participation in the World Cup,” the club said in a statement.
“The two players went to the Blua Sanitas Valdebebas Hospital this morning for their medical examinations, before completing their first training session under new coach Jose Mourinho.”
Vinicius has been one of Madrid’s standout performers in recent seasons, but with just one year remaining on his current contract, he has emerged as an ambitious transfer target for Premier League champions Arsenal.
Reports suggest Real Madrid could be willing to consider offers for the winger, although any deal is expected to exceed £100 million (€116.7 million).
The Brazil international has consistently delivered elite attacking numbers, recording 30 or more combined goals and assists in each of the last five seasons across all competitions.
His dribbling ability also remains among the best in Europe. During the 2025–26 campaign, Vinicius completed 87 successful dribbles, the third-highest tally across Europe’s top five leagues, behind only Lamine Yamal (133) and Yan Diomande (118).
With Mourinho beginning preparations for the new season, Vinicius’ return provides Real Madrid with a major boost, even as questions over his long-term future continue to dominate the transfer headlines.
