Arsenal also sit 12th in the UEFA Champions League after a poor start, winning two of four European outings at the time of writing.

Now – according to le10sport – there is more negativity for Arsenal fans to mull over involving William Saliba.

William Saliba has head turned by Real Madrid

The French news outlet are now claiming that the Arsenal No.2 is “not indifferent” to the idea of joining Real Madrid – after he learned the Spanish giants are interested.

It is said that Arteta is aware of interest from Real Madrid, with Arsenal already opening early discussions over a new contract to fend Los Blancos away.

Saliba’s current deal, which is worth £190,000-a-week, expires in June 2027.

Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images

Le10sport believe Real Madrid are simply considering when is best to “act” on their desire to sign the France international, with those at the Santiago Bernabeu now even more keen to sign the 23-year-old after Eder Militao suffered a serious injury. A January swoop is even possible.

Arsenal cannot afford to lose William Saliba

Saliba is already one of Europe’s best defenders at the age of 23 – and if he maintains his current progress, he will probably become the best in the near future.

In fact, Gary Neville even thinks Saliba already is the best defender on the planet.

Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images

Therefore – regardless of whether Arsenal receive bids of £50m, £60m, £70m or even £80m for the man from Bondy, there is simply no point in selling. The Gunners will not be able to replace him, not for a fee below what they would receive, at least.

Of course, the lure of Real Madrid can be strong, so if Saliba – who many compare to Virgil van Dijk – decides to kick up a fuss and hands in a transfer request, Arsenal may be left with no other option.

However, for as long as the Frenchman is content in north London and contracted to Arsenal, the Gunners would be fools to even contemplate a sale.