Vinicius Junior rejects Real Madrid contract offer | OneFootball

Vinicius Junior has reportedly rebuffed Real Madrid's first contract offer, but negotiations are ongoing as the Spanish giants try to fend off Saudi Arabian interest.

Speculation continues to swirl regarding the Brazilian's future at the Santiago Bernabeu with the Saudi Pro League pushing for his signature. Reports have suggested that he could be subject of a Middle Eastern bid worth €300m (£251.2m) this summer.

Madrid are naturally desperate to keep hold of the 2024 Ballon d'Or runner-up, who helped them become European and Spanish champions last season. He's been relentless this campaign as well, managing over 25 goal contributions in all competitions.

In a bid to secure his future, The Athletic report that Madrid began negotiations over a new deal in mid-January, with initial discussions staged to help determine the extent of Vinicius' demands. Madrid provided the player's representatives, Roc Nation, with a financial proposal that represented an increase in his salary, but that initial offer was swiftly rejected. Talks are thought to be ongoing.

Vinicius will expect a big offer from Madrid / David Ramos/GettyImages

Los Blancos know that they will have to offer a significant financial package to battle bids from Saudi Arabia but are not willing to break their wage structure to make a deal happen.

Vinicius currently earns approximately €400,000 per week and is the club's third highest-paid player, but his wages still pale in comparison to summer recruit Kylian Mbappe, who is earning €600,000 every seven days when bonuses are taken into consideration.

Madrid president Florentino Perez wants to reward Vinicius for his stellar on-field performances but also to prove that he will not be in Mbappe's shadow in the Spanish capital. The 24-year-old last renewed his contract in October 2023 and his current deal keeps him at the club until June 2027.

Vinicius has previously revealed his desire to stay at Madrid but his resolve will be tested by gargantuan Saudi bids this summer.