Further down the pitch, Arsenal need to decide on a No 6 for the future. Thomas Partey, who turns 32 in the summer, and Jorginho, 33, are both into the final six months of their contracts. While Declan Rice can play as a No 6, his talents are better utilised as the left No 8 in Mikel Arteta’s system.

Real Madrid are expected to sign a centre-back in the next 1-2 years, although their list of targets has been gradually decreasing. Abdukodir Khusanov is set to sign for Manchester City, and another

Florentino Pérez regrets that Manchester City stole a gem from him in the last few hours that will ultimately not reach Real Madrid.