Arsenal appear to have been dealt a blow to their hopes of holding onto William Saliba. The 23-year-old defender has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid recently as Carlo Ancelotti plans to bolster his backline.

Saliba, who sees his contract at the Emirates Stadium expire in June 2027, has featured 17 times in the Premier League this season, helping the Gunners keep seven clean sheets. The France international has played a key role in Mikel Arteta's side for a while now, establishing himself as one of the top centre-backs in Europe.

His performances haven't gone under the radar, reportedly courting the interest of Real Madrid. According to Spanish outlet Sport, Los Blancos have already contacted Saliba's entourage regarding a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu, and they received a 'positive response'.

READ MORE: Marcus Rashford drops fresh Manchester United transfer statement amid Arsenal link

READ MORE: I told Arsenal to let me stay at Brentford and I became their goalkeeper of the decade

The report states that Real Madrid want to carry out 'silent negotiations' with the 'utmost discretion'. It's believed that the Spanish giants want the Frenchman to hand in a transfer request if they submit a nine-figure bid.

Sport adds that Mbappe could play a major role in luring Saliba from north London. Not only did the pair attend the same primary school, it's said that Mbappe's father, Wilfrid coached the Arsenal ace as a junior when they played for AS Bondy together.

In the summer, the Real Madrid star described his childhood friend as one of the 'best centre-backs in the Premier League'. Speaking to French outlet Ouest-France, as quoted by the Mirror, Mbappe said: "This season, he has become a very important player for Arsenal and is among the best centre-backs in the Premier League.

"He is starting to get minutes with us. It’s now up to him to find his place. For me, he has all the qualities to, in time, be a starter with Les Bleus."

On growing up with Saliba, Mbappe said: "I have known him since he was very, very young. We played football together on our breaks, even though we weren’t in the same year, but he asked to play with us. We allowed it because he was already big!

"I am three years older than him so I saw him grow up by following his journey and his games closely. Seeing him in the national team, going from Bondy to Les Bleus, made me really happy. I tried to integrate him into the group as quickly as possible."

Mbappe added: "I look at his journey with the pride of an older brother. There is no taboo between us and we tease each other. For example, I often tell him that he wants to be the star of Bondy, but that it will never happen!"