Real Madrid are reportedly confident of signing Manchester City and Spain captain Rodri, while Arsenal are pursuing major midfield and attacking reinforcements. The reports matter because they suggest several leading European clubs could be involved in high-value moves involving established international players during the summer transfer window.

Arsenal are said to be weighing a player-plus-cash deal for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez involving Viktor Gyokeres, and could offer up to £90m for Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes, although Newcastle are expected to reject an initial £70m bid. Elsewhere, Paris St-Germain have not yet submitted a reported £102m bid for RB Leipzig teenager Yan Diomande; Manchester United are not seeking to sell Bruno Fernandes; and Chelsea value Trevoh Chalobah at at least £30m amid interest from Como.