Arsenal have opened talks with William Saliba over a new contract as they look to fend off interest from Real Madrid.

Bukayo Saka and William Saliba want to 'remain' at Arsenal and play a 'big part' in the club's history, according to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta - who has also revealed that Saliba could return from injury early in time for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest.

William Saliba has requested an urgent meeting with Arsenal over the renewal of his contract as Real Madrid ramp up their interest in signing the French defender. Saliba's current deal at Emirates Stadium expires in 2027 and Los Blancos are ready to negotiate a cut-price deal for the Frenchman with the Gunners over the next two years.

Manchester United great Rio Ferdinand has put his cards on the table, ranking the Premier League’s top defenders in a no-nonsense knockout showdown, and his verdicts will spark plenty of debate. In a high-energy Q&A with GOAL, the former England skipper was asked to play “winner stays on” with some of the league’s biggest centre-back names.

After primary target William Saliba agreed a new long-term deal at Arsenal, Real have reportedly turned their attention back to Ibrahim Konate. The Liverpool defender's contract expires next summer, fitting Madrid's strategy of focusing on free transfers, but there is said to be internal debate at the club over the move.