Liverpool, Arsenal chasing Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr

Premier League sides Liverpool and Arsenal are hoping to sign Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, according to reports.

The 20-year-old could be on his way out of the Spanish capital as Real target PSG forward Kylian Mbappe.

That’s left plenty of clubs across Europe on high alert.

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According to Spanish source OkDiario (via Express), Liverpool and Arsenal are both monitoring Vinicius Junior’s situation ahead of a potential move.

It’s thought that the Brazilian international is seen as a long term successor to either Mohamed Salah or Sadio Mane at Anfield.

He can play on either wing, making the signing an attractive one for Liverpool chiefs.

Vinicius’ poor form this campaign could help them to sign him for a reduced fee, too. He’s scored just three goals this season in all competitions, which includes one in the Champions League.

Current manager Zinedine Zidane is struggling to get the best out of his star-studded team. They lost to third division side Alcoyano in the Copa del Rey yesterday.

Real could cash in on Vinicius, but it’s not yet known how much they would want for him.

Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Vinicius. Last month, reports emerged stating that they wanted to sign him on loan.

Having revealed their plan to offload numerous players this month, technical director Edu might now have the funds to sign him.

Vinicius joined Real from Brazilian side Flamengo in July 2018. The £40 million fee made him one of the most expensive teenagers in football history.

The winger was seen as a future superstar, but his Real career hasn’t reached those heights just yet.

In October, Karim Benzema was recorded telling a teammate not to pass to Vinicius.

Speaking at half time during the match against Borussia Monchengladbach, Benzema said: “He is playing rubbish. Don’t pass him the ball, on my mum’s life. He is playing against us!”