If Madrid do get Huijsen — they have already agreed to meet his £50m release clause — Arsenal can at least breathe a sigh of relief over the immediate future of William Saliba. The Frenchman is a long-term target for Madrid, but Arsenal have begun talks to extend his contract, which expires in 2027.

Arsenal are in pole position to sign Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres in the summer transfer window, but there are doubts emerging over a move for Martin Zubimendi

Arsenal are set for a big summer transfer window, with the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Rodrygo linked, and they could each take an ideal number in the team