Arsenal develop plan to keep 'ruffled' star man as La Liga giants prepare summer move

Arsenal are still fending off interest for one of their most talented players as focus shifts to the summer transfer window. The Gunners did not get the job done in the winter window, failing to land an attacking addition despite being mightily short in the front line.

The Gunners were already looking short of goal-scorers when everyone was fully fit, and since then, Gabriel Jesus has been ruled out for the season, Bukayo Saka for another two months, and now Gabriel Martinelli has picked up a hamstring issue.

Still, there is no going back now, and Mikel Arteta must go with what he has between now and the end of the season, needing to find a way for his injury-hit attack to keep up with Liverpool at the top of the table.

As far as outgoings go, the Gunners did manage to keep hold of Kieran Tierney until the end of the season, with Arteta wanting to keep the level of depth he has at full-back, and the same goes for Jorginho, who is also likely to leave at the end of the current campaign.

In the summer, Arsenal might have to fight harder to keep hold of some of their talented players, and it seems Real Madrid are not giving up on their hope of landing William Saliba. The centre-back has become one of the best defenders in Europe, and Los Blancos continue to be linked with him as they look for a replacement for Antonio Rudiger

RMC Sport say Real Madrid are now looking to put together a summer move for Saliba, but they add that Arsenal will try to price them out of a move with a huge asking price. The 23-year-old is under contract until 2027 as things stand, so Arsenal will be able to stick to their guns, especially if Saliba is happy to stay.

Neville on Saliba’s game to forget

Saliba has been in good form for much of this season, but he is coming off a disappointing display against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup, with the Frenchman having struggled to deal with Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.

Sky Sports co-commentator Gary Neville said during the game: “When the ball gets played up to Isak, the centre-backs don't deal with it and everyone is pushed back to the edge of their own area. I've never seen Saliba as ruffled. Ever. Gordon and Isak are in his head."

Your next Arsenal read, Arsenal 'confident' of landing January transfer target this summer