Saliba is currently valued higher than other top defenders in the market, including Dean Huijsen of Bournemouth and Ibrahima Konaté of Liverpool. Real Madrid has included Saliba on their shortlist for a new centre back, alongside Huijsen and Konaté.

Arsenal's sporting director, Andrea Berta, is aware of Real Madrid's transfer tactics. Berta has experience working with rival club Atletico Madrid and understands how Los Blancos try to plant seeds for future transfers.

Real Madrid's tactics have already led to a player leaving Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold, who announced his decision to join the La Liga giants. Arsenal's manager, Mikel Arteta, and Berta are working together to lock down Saliba with a new contract and avoid a similar situation.