After Perez's powerplay, Arsenal was pushed into an odd Saliba deal with Real Madrid.

According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid is still very interested in purchasing William Saliba from Arsenal, and they have now received news from the Gunners about an unusual—and possibly needless—step to finalise the transaction. 

Since making his debut at Arsenal, Saliba has established himself as one of the Premier League's top centre backs. Real Madrid is aware of this and is looking to improve their defence, not just because Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool will soon join them at right-back.

Both David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger are nearing the end of their Bernabeu contracts. Madrid is searching for a long-term leader at centre-back after dealing with several injury problems there in the last two seasons. They may even be prepared to wait two years until Saliba's contract expires in order to bring him in because they are so certain that he could help them.

However, Madrid has reached a unique arrangement with Arsenal since they are looking for any opportunity to sign the France international as quickly as possible.

Defensa Central claims that when Madrid and Arsenal met for the Champions League quarterfinal, they had discussions.

It is said that during those discussions, Arsenal "verbally agreed" to notify Real Madrid if they ever intended to sell Saliba. The agreement, which stated that Arsenal would notify Los Blancos if Saliba was available and then let the Spaniards determine whether they were interested, was reportedly obtained by Madrid president Florentino Perez.

Would Saliba actually be sold by Arsenal?

It would make Madrid a formidable opponent in any competition for Saliba, even though it isn't formally a clause or case of first refusal. But it's possible that the agreement is pointless. Given that Saliba's contract is still in effect through 2027, Arsenal currently has no motive to desire to sell him.

Last month, the France international declared, "I'm really happy here." "I've also been here for two and a half years. Nothing is present. I want to stay here because I'm pleased here. Theoretically, Arsenal would only wish to sell Saliba when he is performing at this level if they were willing to take the chance of losing him as a free agent. Although the 23-year-old doesn't seem to want to leave anytime soon, they will be considering a new deal for him.

Therefore, it could not matter if Madrid has actually reached an arrangement to find out if Saliba is accessible.

There have also been rumours that Arsenal would let Saliba to leave if they receive a few players from Real Madrid in exchange, which could lead to a trade. At Emirates Stadium, Saliba presently makes £190,000 a week. For the last two consecutive seasons, he has been included in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year. A defender for Arsenal is expected to request a transfer. Saliba is not the only defender for Arsenal who has been linked to a move in recent days. Even though he is a consistent starter, some marginal players may wish to leave the team in order to demand more playing time.

One player who might "ask to leave" if he is unable to regain a starting position in Mikel Arteta's lineups has been proposed by former Arsenal defender William Gallas. A Premier League defender is rumoured to have made a big impression on Arsenal this season. Madrid has delivered Arsenal yet another setback when it was revealed that a major target for a different role is more interested in moving to Spain's city than England's.