Real Madrid receive bad news in pursuit of William Saliba after making Arsenal defender their 'top priority for 2025'

Real Madrid have reportedly made the French defender their key priority to strengthen their defence next summer but may come away empty handed. Arsenal have no intention of allowing the 23-year-old to leave according to the Express and there is no expectation that Saliba wants to leave north London any time soon. The defender signed a new deal at the club last year and has become one of the world's best defenders at the Gunners.

Saliba has formed a dominant centre-half pairing with Gabriel at the heart of the Arsenal defence and his performances have naturally attracted interest. Madrid are looking to strengthen their options at the back with Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba struggling with injury problems in recent seasons. If Madrid cannot sign Saliba, they may turn their attentions to Tottenham Hotspur's Christian Romero.

Saliba went on three loan spells before he made his full competitive debut for Arsenal against Crystal Palace in 2022. He returned to Saint-Etienne after joining the Gunners before loans at OGC Nice and Marseille before making his Premier League debut.

Saliba and France will take on Belgium on Monday in the Nations League before the defender returns to north London. The Gunners take on Bournemouth next Saturday aiming to keep the pressure on Manchester City and Liverpool.