Arsenal's focus again turns to the Champions League this week after the disappointment of defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League over the weekend.
While that loss did not help them confirm their place in next season's competition, winning this year's tournament would ensure that, regardless. Aside from what would be a historic success for the club, such an achievement would be the strongest statement of their standing within the European market.
That would impact the standard of potential signings and even the futures of several current players. Here is a round-up of rumours from over the weekend that this week's second leg could affect.
Saliba to Real Madrid truth
French sports newspaper L'Equipe reports days before Arsenal play Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final that William Saliba's entourage has been in talks with Real Madrid for weeks.
Spanish media outlets also speculated about the player's future before and after the Gunners beat the reigning champions 5-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals. Mundo Deportivo then dubbed the player "unrecognisable" during the first leg against PSG at Emirates Stadium.
That, though, has seemingly not put off Madrid. Neither has the player's increasingly interesting contract situation, with his current deal, signed in July 2023, expiring in two years.
L'Equipe , as translated by Get German Football News, claim Madrid contacted the player's entourage in recent weeks. ND Sports Management represent Saliba.
The outlet states that Madrid are the only club that would appeal. However, they acknowledge Saliba does not intend to force any transfer.
football london says: Saliba said not even two months ago that he is "really happy" and wants "to continue" at Arsenal. The player also conceded that "there is no rush at the minute" regarding a new deal because there are "some years" left on his current deal". That says it all about these rumours. The truth is Saliba happy in north London.
Saliba replacement
Mundo Deportivo has mentioned Arsenal as one of several Premier League clubs to show interest in Ousmane Diomande. Chelsea and Newcastle United are also reportedly in the running to sign a player who Sporting CP could reportedly recieve up to £68million for.
The potential for a 'triangle' involving Madrid and Saliba is mentioned despite the acknowledgement Arsenal intend to keep their player. Diomande covering the gap, though, for any hypothetical departure, is said to be something that could happen.
football.london says: Arsenal potentially signing Diomande this summer seems, on the surface, reminiscent of Saliba's arrival six years ago. However, the latter had just turned 18 when joining and made barely 19 senior appearances during his debut season, whereas Diomande is 21 and has played over 100 matches in Portugal.
Should Arsenal sign the defender, he may be able to hit the ground running a bit more quickly than Saliba did.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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