Footage of William Saliba interacting with an Arsenal supporter has gone viral following reports linking him with a move to Real Madrid.
Saliba, 23, has become one of the best central defenders in world football during his time with Arsenal, forming a strong partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of the Gunners' defence.
Arsenal have conceded just 22 goals in 24 league games this season, an excellent defensive record that has given them another chance of challenging for the title – with Mikel Arteta's side currently six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who have played one game less.
Saliba's individual performances have attracted the attention of several top clubs in Europe, including PSG and Spanish and European champions Real Madrid.
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French publication RMC Sport report that Saliba has been 'identified as an absolute priority' by the Spanish giants for the summer transfer window.
However, Arsenal are not expecting to lose Saliba and would demand a world-record fee for a defender to agree to any potential transfer, the report adds.
The current record is held by Harry Maguire, who joined Manchester United from Leicester in an £80m move in 2019.
Arsenal are currently training in Dubai as they prepare to return to competitive action on Saturday against Premier League strugglers Leicester.
Footage circulated on Monday of their players signing autographs for fans in the UAE, and it was one interaction involving Saliba that created the most headlines.
In the clip, a supporter handed Saliba an Arsenal shirt to sign and told the defender: "Saliba, Champions League please!", to which the defender seemingly responded: "Inshallah [If Allah wills it]".
While the shirt was being signed, the fan added: "Please Saliba, never go Madrid!", while another supporter could be heard saying: "No Madrid, yes? Stay Arsenal!"
Saliba refuses to commit himself to Arsenal in the clip and is seen laughing awkwardly, with his reaction sparking debate among fans on social media.
"Nervous laughter...," posted one fan on X.
Another added: "Ooh that laugh, the brother is leaving to Madrid."
While a third commented: "Didn't like his reaction."
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has warned the club they must show ambition in the transfer market this summer if they want to keep the likes of Saliba at the Emirates, with the Gunners failing to sign a much-needed striker in the winter window.
"We have to start thinking about about Gabriel, Saliba and [Bukayo] Saka. After this season, they've got two years left," said Wright.
"How long before their management teams say 'we need to see the ambition of this club'? Do any of those players want to end up not winning anything because the way it’s going at the moment…
"They need to do some unbelievable business in the summer. They need to bring players in that makes them say 'f**k, these guys are serious'."
Topics: Arsenal, Real Madrid, William Saliba, Premier League, Football, Champions League
Rory O'Callaghan