Arsenal are reportedly taking a hard-line stance on defender William Saliba amid growing interest from Real Madrid.
The 23-year-old has gone from being a player many felt would never be given his chance at Arsenal to one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Saliba and team-mate Gabriel have formed an effective partnership at the back for the Gunners and his performances have not gone unnoticed.
Real Madrid have been keeping tabs on the France international for some time now but it seems it will be difficult to lure the centre-back away from the Emirates any time soon.
Arsenal are expected to ‘block’ Saliba’s potential exit, as Los Blancos wait in the wings.
The centre-back is considered a ‘crucial’ part of Mikel Arteta’s plans for the future and will not allow him to leave the club under ‘any circumstances’.
They are in a position of strength as his contract runs until 2027 but the north London team are working on extending his stay to put them in an even stronger position.
