Arsenal and Liverpool may have been handed a massive boost in the race to sign Real Madrid forward Rodrygo. The Brazil international’s appears to be heading for the Santiago Bernabeu exit door this summer after being used sparingly at the Club World Cup.

But Saliba’s future has been the subject of some speculation in recent months, with the centre-back attracting strong interest from La Liga giants Madrid. A recent report from Cadena SER suggested Saliba had been placed at the top of Madrid’s wishlist in what has been dubbed ‘Operation 2026’.

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on William Saliba's new Arsenal deal, amid speculation Real Madrid were to offer a huge cash plus two player swap bid.