Arsenal keen on signing William Saliba (Image: Getty)
Arsenal appear to have received a major boost in their bid to retain the services of defender William Saliba for years to come.
The France international has established himself as one of Europe's best centre-backs in recent seasons, and his performances have earned him suitors around the world.
Real Madrid are among the clubs who have been linked with Saliba, with the Whites expected to orchestrate a major rebuild of their ageing rearguard at the end of the season. Carlo Ancelotti's side are keen to explore several options, although the Arsenal No.2 is often cited as their main target.
The Gunners have no intention of accepting any offers for the defender, however, and it appears Madrid are already ready 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 shining in his debut campaign in England last season.
The Brazilian has already been linked with Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal, coincidentally, and Madrid are now said to be 'doing their homework' on the former Corinthians star.
However, the La Liga club are aware that other suitors are likely to come forward in the coming months, including Bayern Munich.
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Murillo would have admirers all over Europe (Image: Getty)
Murillo is not the only Premier League player being admired from afar: Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite is another player Madrid are 'monitoring'.
The England international was valued at £75million over the summer, but if Everton are relegated they could be forced to lower their asking price for the talented 22-year-old.
The Toffees have remained strong throughout the summer and have refused to enter into negotiations with any club interested in Branthwaite if their valuation is met, rejecting offers from Manchester United in the region of £50million.
Manchester United have been pushing to sign Jarrad Branthwaite this summer (Image: Getty)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe had shortlisted the ex-Carlisle star as his top target at Old Trafford upon his arrival but was unwilling to approve such a big-money move for Branthwaite, pivoting to sign Leny Yoro from Lille.
The Frenchman was expected to arrive in Madrid but United turned the 18-year-old's head, forcing the Spanish side to scour the market for potential alternatives in 12 months' time – much to Arsenal's amusement.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1952235/Arsenal-transfer-news-William-Saliba-Real-Madrid-Man-Utd