Liverpool would not change very much right now. Flying high in the league and in numerous cup competitions, its only complaint might be a slight off-the-field transfer distraction — and now Real Madrid might be ensuring that Arsenal suffers the same handicap.

In fairness, Liverpool has brought some of its issues on itself, leaving multiple key contracts too long without renewal. It is now playing a high-stakes game with Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, all while relying on the three of them as pillars of a trophy charge on four fronts.

But there are also outside influences at play. In the case of Alexander-Arnold, in particular, transfer overtures from Real Madrid have proved unsettling, and there's a sense that the contract issue might have been far more straightforward had it not been for the interest of the Spanish giant.

READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news LIVE: double injury update, Conor Bradley praise, Arne Slot press conference

READ MORE: 'Remorseless' - UK media agree on Liverpool win over Spurs and spot telling Mo Salah reaction

It has to be said that these behind-the-scenes matters don't seem to be affecting Arne Slot's side at all. It took another big step last night, beating Spurs 4-0 to book a spot in the Carabao Cup final.

And after an FA Cup meeting with Plymouth, it will have the chance to move nine points clear of Arsenal in the Premier League when it finally plays its game in hand. That just so happens to be a high-stakes Merseyside derby, the last at Goodison Park.

Still, perhaps Liverpool would already be out of sight of Arsenal had it not been for the transfer and contract unease. Fairly or not, Alexander-Arnold was accused of letting talk of Real Madrid get to him in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United last month, where he put in a shaky performance.

So it's nice of Real Madrid to effectively even things up. According to a recent report, it could be plotting a world-record bid for William Saliba.

RMC Sport claims that Saliba is an "absolute priority" for Real Madrid. While it is acknowledged that Arsenal is unlikely to sanction a transfer, making the Frenchman the most expensive defender in history could reportedly test the resolve in North London.

Of course, Arsenal's position in this regard is more favorable than that of Liverpool. With Saliba contracted until 2027, the club holds more of the cards, and any eventual transfer would come with the significant upside of a major fee.

But the last thing Mikel Arteta needs is Saliba having his head turned. Already facing an uphill task to catch up with Liverpool, the Gunners require near-perfection, and just one or two sub-par performances could all but end their hopes.

Even without any distractions, Saliba is still not quite at the levels of Van Dijk. He struggled in the recent meeting against Newcastle, with his relative weakness in the air exposed and his usual assuredness in ground duels appearing to desert him.

And so with Real Madrid on his mind too, it would be a big ask for him to carry Arsenal to the finish line, especially with Liverpool maintaining such a fearsome pace. Now, whoever wins the Premier League will need to do it in the shadow of transfer interest from the Bernabeu.