Mikel Arteta has spoken with Vinicius Junior

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has personally spoken with Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior to convince him regarding a transfer.

The Gunners are determined to land a marquee left winger, and Vinicius has emerged as the priority target over the last few weeks.

AS now reveal that Arteta is leading the operation and he has told Vinicius that the Gunners project would largely revolve around him.

The Madrid star is aware of the 'real interest' from the Gunners, and could make a decision based on contract talks with Los Blancos.

Vinicius' current deal expires in June next year, and he has yet to be persuaded to put pen to paper on a renewal with a pay rise.

Arsenal are ready to make a monstrous contract offer to the Flamengo graduate and will seek to capitalise if Madrid don't meet his demands.

The Gunners may still need to pay a British-record fee for the attacker, given Madrid are set to hold out for around £129 million.