Why Real Madrid have abandoned their plans to sign a 26-year-old star has been revealed, with Arsenal now fully expected to wrap up a deal that will sting Liverpool, according to reports.

Real Madrid remain firm admirers of Arsenal defender William Saliba and the Premier League club face an important few weeks and months which will decide their future at centre-back

Roma centre-half Evan Ndicka, 25, is also being closely monitored by Arsenal and talks are in place over a potential deal for the Ivory Coast international, who is reportedly available for a fee in the region of (£25-34million).