Arsenal receive William Saliba boost as Real Madrid look to ruin Man Utd's plans instead

Arsenal appear to have been handed a major boost in their bid to retain the services of defender William Saliba for years and years to come.

The France international has asserted himself as one of the best centre-backs in Europe over the past few seasons, and his performances have earned him suitors around the world.

Real Madrid are among those to have been linked with Saliba, with Los Blancos expected to orchestrate a major rebuild of their ageing backline at the end of the season. Carlo Ancelotti’s side are keen to explore multiple options, though Arsenal’s No. 2 is often cited as their top target.

The Gunners have no intention of entertaining offers for the defender though, and it appears that Madrid are already willing to turn their attention to alternative options in the Premier League.

According to HITC, Nottingham Forest star Murillo has been shortlisted as an option at the Bernabeu after he shone in his debut campaign in England last season.

The Brazilian has previously been linked with Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal, coincidentally, and Madrid are now said to be ‘doing their homework’ on the ex-Corinthians star.

However, the La Liga outfit are aware that other suitors are likely to come forward over the coming months, including Bayern Munich.

Murillo is not the only player in the Premier League who is being admired from afar though, with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite another player who Madrid are ‘keeping an eye on’.

The England international was valued at £75million over the summer but if Everton are relegated, they may be forced to decrease their asking price for the talented 22-year-old.

The Toffees stood strong throughout the summer and refused to enter negotiations with any clubs interested in Branthwaite if their valuation was met, rejecting offers from Manchester United in the region of £50m.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe shortlisted the ex-Carlisle star as his top target at Old Trafford upon his arrival but was not willing to sanction such a significant move for Branthwaite, pivoting to sign Leny Yoro from Lille.

The Frenchman was expected to join Madrid but United swept in to turn the head of the 18-year-old, which has in turn left the Spanish side scouring the market for potential alternatives 12 months down the line – much to the amusement of Arsenal.