William Saliba 'top priority' for Real Madrid as Arsenal star eyed for huge transfer - The Mirror

William Saliba's top displays for Arsenal have not gone unnoticed in Europe, with French reports claiming Real Madrid are eyeing up the French international and want him to link up with countryman Kylian Mbappe

Arsenal defender William Saliba is reportedly Real Madrid's "top priority" transfer, with the La Liga giants said to have made contact over a huge transfer.

Saliba has gone from strength to strength at the Emirates, turning heads with some sensational defensive displays to help Arsenal challenge Manchester City for the title in back-to-back seasons and is regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old's performances have not gone unnoticed in Europe, with French outlet Le10Sport claiming that Madrid are now eyeing up the French international and want him to link up with countryman Kylian Mbappe at the Bernabeu.

The report claims that Madrid have reached out to Saliba's camp in order to test his appetite for a move and position themselves as the favourites for his signature.

It adds that Carlo Ancelotti's outfit are targeting Saliba for a potential move next summer in the hope they can break Arsenal's resolve for one of their key players.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta would be extremely reluctant to lose a player of Saliba's calibre given how crucial he has been to the team's solid back line in the last two seasons - with the club agreeing a new long term deal with him last summer.

The report says Madrid would indeed find it hard to tempt Arsenal because Saliba has become a "pillar" and "backbone" of Arteta's side - but adds that the Spanish team have the financial means to convince the player.

Madrid have shown they are invested in adding more young talent to their squad - having brought in midfielders Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham and teenage forward Endrick - but the club are in need of more depth in defence with Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba into their thirties.

Saliba has played 92 times for Arsenal but he was made to wait for his chance by Arteta, who sent him on loan to Nice and Marseille initially - and the Spaniard recently revealed how the defender proved he was ready for action.

"I told him that I would not put him in because he wasn’t ready so he had to prove himself elsewhere," he said. "He was incredible and consistent and he succeeded in managing other problems.

"He came back and after one or two training sessions, in a new environment, we knew that, from now on, he could do it. Since, he has proved that brilliantly. His progression and his consistency are incredible. We are very happy to have him here."

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