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Real Madrid's decision to trigger Dean Huijsen's £50m release clause benefits Arsenal in a big way.
The Spanish giants have just relinquished their La Liga crown to Barcelona and were dumped out of the Champions League by Arsenal in the quarter-finals, with a summer of change beckoning at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Xabi Alonso is poised to replace Carlo Ancelotti as manager, and steps have already been taken to bolstering their defence — one which regressed considerably from their title win last season due to a glut of injuries. Trent Alexander-Arnold will join the club on a free transfer in June, and Bournemouth sensation Huijsen looks set to arrive, too.
Why Real Madrid's move for Dean Huijsen benefits Arsenal
Real Madrid have agreed to pay Huijsen's £50m release clause just a year after he joined Bournemouth in a deal worth no more than £13m from Juventus. He's been superb for a Conference League-chasing Cherries outfit this season, and Arsenal were reportedly among the teams keen on signing to Spaniard this summer.
However, Madrid have moved quickly and the BBC report that a 'full agreement is expected soon'.
While the Spaniards aren't exactly cash-shy, the proposed deal for Huijsen surely means that they won't pursue Arsenal's William Saliba this summer. There had been murmurs in the Spanish media regarding their interest in the French centre-half, and a few nerves may have started to jangle in north London had Los Blancos moved with the assertion that they have with Huijsen.
The allure of Madrid is hard to ignore, but Saliba has persistently told us of his desire to win at the Emirates. Amid reports of interest from the Spanish capital, it's been revealed that the club have taken steps to bringing the 24-year-old to the negotiating table to discuss a new contract. Saliba's current deal doesn't expire until 2027, but Madrid will be encouraged until the French international commits his long-term future to Arsenal.
How aggressive the club are in the summer transfer window is likely to be a determining factor in Saliba's decision, with the defender reportedly wanting assurances over Arsenal's capacity to compete for and win the biggest honours. They've come so close in recent years, and now must take the next step.
Retaining Saliba is absolutely pivotal.
Huijsen's impending move to Madrid doesn't completely rule them out of eventually pursuing Saliba, but it has affored Andrea Berta some breathing room. The Italian will be looking to tie down the 24-year-old over the summer.