Real Madrid linked with Arsenal's William Saliba

The 18-year-old was signed by the Gunners this summer in a €30m deal from Saint-Etienne, whom they immediately loaned him back to on a season-long loan deal, whereas Gunners wanted to improve experience of player in Europa League as well.

The structure of that deal and apparent long-term planning suggests that such a move away from North London should be met with scepticism, but Defensa Central insists he is on Madrid’s radar.

This apparently comes under the instruction of Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane, who has identified his fellow Frencman Saliba alongside two other young French defenders as potential targets.