Arsenal are reportedly concerned about the prospect of William Saliba becoming a target for Real Madrid within the next two years.
The Frenchman was part of the team that lost 2-1 against Bournemouth on Saturday in the Premier League, though the Gunners' focus will have undoubtedly been on their Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
Should the Londoners fail to overcome their semi-final first-leg deficit against PSG, they will end a fifth consecutive season without silverware, barring the 2023 Community Shield.
It remains to be seen if boss Mikel Arteta can convince his star players to stay at the Emirates if they continue to fall short in major competitions.
Following Trent Alexander-Arnold's announcement that he will leave Liverpool amid interest from Real Madrid, Football Insider report that Arsenal are worried that centre-back Saliba could be Los Blancos' next major target.
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Saliba's situation at Arsenal
While Liverpool have no power to hold onto Alexander-Arnold given his contract is set to expire in the summer transfer window, Saliba will still have two years left on his deal at the end of the season.
However, Real have been known to encourage players to run down their contracts in order to secure their signature without the need to pay a transfer fee, with Kylian Mbappe a notable example having joined from PSG last summer.
While the Gunners are in a strong position from which to retain Saliba's services, it would not be surprising if more reports emerged in the coming months of Los Blancos' interest.
It should also be noted that Real will likely need to add centre-backs to their ranks considering Xabi Alonso has been touted as the managerial successor to Carlo Ancelotti, and the Spaniard has shown a preference to utilise a back three formation.
Arteta has insisted that the 24-year-old is happy at the Emirates, but he is yet to experience trophy success in London, whereas Real Madrid regularly win the biggest prizes.
Arsenal will reportedly look to make crucial additions in the upcoming transfer window, and perhaps the addition of a clinical goalscorer will help the club finally get over the line.
If the Gunners fall short of the Premier League and Champions League once again next term, and if Saliba has not signed a new deal before the end of 2025-26, then they may face the prospect of being forced to sell the defender in order to prevent him leaving for nothing.
Lewis Nolan
