Arsenal and Real Madrid could be set for at least three transfer battles this summer after clashing on the pitch in the Champions League just last month. The Gunners ended up eliminating the holders at the quarter-final stage with an impressive 5-1 aggregate victory.
Alongside failing to retain that European title, bitter rivals Barcelona are on track to deny Madrid of both the La Liga title and Copa del Rey. For just the second time in 15 years, Madrid look set to endure a trophy-less season and as such, significant change is expected at Los Blancos.
The departure of Carlo Ancelotti and expected appointment of Xabi Alonso has seen that start early with the club's former midfielder wanting new signings in the door before the Club World Cup kicks off in mid-June.
Defensive reinforcements are the absolute priority for Los Blancos and therefore William Saliba will undoubtedly be of interest. The France international has been linked to Madrid for a number of transfer windows with Fabrizio Romano claiming he is among three options on their shortlist.
Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate and Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen are also under consideration. Arsenal are one of many Premier League clubs interested in the latter with Chelsea and Liverpool also prepared to activate his £50million release clause.
One positive to Arsenal's hopes of keeping Saliba is that he is currently considered to be too expensive for Madrid with their chances of tying him down to a new contract increasing as Huijsen is keen on playing his football in Spain.
The best-case scenario for Arsenal would be Konate joining Madrid and directly weakening a rival while Arsenal keep Saliba and sign Huijsen.
However, that all playing out in Arsenal's favour is extremely unlikely while Huijsen joining a domestic rival and Saliba signing for Madrid would certainly be a nightmare outcome. Talks between the two clubs for the 24-year-old could oddly benefit Arsenal if Rodrygo seeks an exit.
With Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr now seeming to be the favoured attacking set-up, the Brazil international has seen his minutes reduced and thus may be considering a move elsewhere.
Talk of a potential departure increased in recent weeks with Rodrygo playing just 17 minutes out of the last three La Liga games with the 24-year-old an unused substitute for Sunday's 4-3 El Clasico defeat to Barcelona.
However, Ancelotti has since confirmed that a combination of illness and injury was the reason for that. “Rodrygo has discomfort in his leg. He’s sad for that, but there’s really nothing more," he admitted.
"He had [a] fever and didn’t train last week so he wasn’t fit. He felt uncomfortable and we wanted to look at it. Everyone loves Rodrygo, especially me."
Alonso may see things differently however, and that could result in Madrid being open to his exit with Arsenal one of many clubs linked.
Football.london understands that Mikel Arteta would like to sign a wide forward along with a defender and goalkeeper. Despite rarely playing off the left for Madrid, Rodrygo has the versatility to thrive in that role.
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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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