Arsenal to stave off Real Madrid?! Gunners open contract talks with defender William Saliba as Los Blancos hover

The Gunners are keen to tie down Saliba, 24, with the defender having just two years remaining on his current terms. And according to French publication Foot Mercato, Spanish giants Real are closely monitoring the situation as they remain firm admirers of the France international.

The report also states that while no agreement has been reached as of yet, Arsenal are hopeful of securing Saliba's signature as they look to push for major silverware in 2025-26. Mikel Arteta's side made eight signings in what was a busy summer transfer window for the club, with Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga all arriving on permanent deals, while Piero Hincapie joined on a season-long loan.

Saliba has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League since joining Arsenal from Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne in 2019. The centre-back has made 137 appearances in all competitions for the north London club, scoring seven goals.

Saliba will miss Arsenal's return to Premier League action when they host Nottingham Forest on Saturday, having been forced off with an ankle problem in the 1-0 defeat against Liverpool on August 31. Meanwhile Xabi Alonso's Real are looking to make it four La Liga wins from as many games when they travel to Real Sociedad on the same day.