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.

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).

Arsenal have put a succession plan in place should Real Madrid launch an irresistible offer for centre-back William Saliba this summer.