Having come out of the financial constraints to fend off pressure from financial heavyweights, Arsenal imposed a figure that could keep hold of their star players, but their resolute will be tested as Real Madrid come knocking for Laurent Koscielny.

Florentino Perez seems to have made his mind up to secure the services of David de Gea at all costs to replace compatriot Iker Casillas in the long term and Manchester United are now plotting a cunning move to make the most out of his interest by landing Sergio Ramos.

The departure of the Spanish international would undeniably leave a huge hole, which could only be filled by someone with mammoth quality and experience and Rafael Benitez, who unsuccessfully attempted to bring down the Arsenal defender during his stint at Napoli, will apparently launch a £21.4million bid in the upcoming days.

The 29-year-old has been the most consistent centre-backs that Arsenal have had in the recent past and Arsene Wenger opting to offload him for any amount of money sounds ludicrous given the type of quality the French manager is looking to bring in every season.

With Gabriel Paulista, the Frenchman can be expected to form a formidable centre-back partnership as that would comprise everything that is essential to keep the strikers at bay.

Notwithstanding the cushion that we currently enjoy, Real Madrid interest could hardly be ignored.