Arsenal are reportedly prepared to reject any offers for William Saliba, who is attracting interest from Real Madrid.
The 23-year-old has been a stalwart in defence for the Gunners in recent times, helping them to challenge Pep Guardiola's Manchester City for the Premier League title.
Saliba made his 11th start of the top-flight term on Saturday afternoon, when Mikel Arteta's men smashed Nottingham Forest 3-0 at the Emirates.
A first-half strike from Bukayo Saka had the hosts ahead at half time, before goals from Thomas Partey and youngster Ethan Nwaneri secured the victory in the second period.
Earning three points versus the Tricky Trees, Arsenal remain fourth in the Premier League standings, nine points behind current pacesetters Liverpool.
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Arsenal to reject any offers for Saliba?
According to Football Insider, Arsenal have set out their transfer strategy ahead of the upcoming January and summer transfer windows of 2025.
The report claims that the Gunners will not sell star centre-back Saliba under any circumstances, regardless of the amount of a potential bid.
It is understood that Spanish and European champions Real Madrid have highlighted the 23-year-old as a possible incoming in the near future.
However, with Saliba a key part of the plans in North London, Arsenal are not preparing to entertain offers for the defender in the short term.
That being said, it has been reported that the Gunners are eyeing up potential successors to Saliba, including RB Leipzig man Castello Lukeba.
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Real Madrid are in need of reinforcements
Following their La Liga and Champions League triumphs during the 2023-24 campaign, Real Madrid have endured a tricky start to the current term.
Standout arrival Kylian Mbappe is yet to burst into life at the Bernabeu, and the progress of Los Blancos has been impacted by injuries.
All of Dani Carvajal, David Alaba and Eder Militao are currently in the medical room of Carlo Ancelotti's side due to knee issues picked up over the past year.
The New Year addition of Arsenal's Saliba would be a season-changer for Real Madrid, however a Spanish switch for the Frenchman appears firmly off the cards at this stage of his career.
Carter White
