William Saliba could only laugh as an Arsenal fan begged him to stay in the Premier League and turn down a big money transfer to Real Madrid. One of the best defenders in the world right now, Saliba is once again enjoying a fine season at the Emirates – even if Arsenal look set to miss out on silverware.

Wide-ranging reports in Spain claim that Los Blancos are desperate to land Saliba as their No. 1 centre-back target in the coming years. The 23-year-old’s form with Arsenal has made him one of the most highly-rated defenders in Europe.

For Arsenal, the prospect of losing William Saliba to Real Madrid is a bitter pill to swallow. The Frenchman has been pivotal in Arsenal’s resurgence under Arteta, bringing stability and composure to the backline. Selling him, even for a record-breaking fee, feels like a step backward in the club’s long-term project.

Real Madrid has no choice but to bolster the defensive department when the summer transfer window comes around, and the club now knows what it will take to sign

Arsenal value William Saliba (23) at £100m, according to a report from Sacha Tavolieri and the France international sees a move to the Bernabeu as the “ultimate dream”. Real Madrid are in

Many Arsenal fans who follow comedian Mulamwah would have loved to be in his shoes as he posed for photos with some of their top players during the meet.

Arsenal faces a major setback as Real Madrid prepare a record-breaking bid for William Saliba. The Gunners are set for a tough battle to keep hold of their defense.

Latest Arsenal transfer news with updates on the future of William Saliba and January interest in Barcelona's Ferran Torres