Arsenal have long been associated with Kylian Mbappe as the global superstar has naturally been linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium.
As his contract at PSG ran down, there were some hopes that the Gunners may splash the cash to land the winger on a surprise deal – though he went on to join Real Madrid as many expected.
With that saga now over and a new place in La Liga is there for the forward, Arsenal have bigger worries when it comes to their players possibly joining Mbappe in Madrid.
One of the names linked with switching the Emirates Stadium for the Bernabeu is defender William Saliba.
Not only could a transfer to Spain look appealing but the allure to join his old friend Mbappe in the capital could tempt a move also.
William Saliba to Real Madrid transfer latest
With some big transfer windows around the corner, Saliba is one of the latest to be linked with an exit from Arsenal.
According to French outlet Le10Sport, Real Madrid have made the centre-back their “top priority” for the summer 2025 transfer window.
The report claims that contact has already been made with the entourage of the defender to gauge the interest in a move.
It remains unclear how well-received that was, however, Los Blancos are claimed to have the financial strength to persuade both the player and the club that a deal could happen.
There is still plenty of time before any threat of a bid for Arsenal, though a big factor in any part of a deal could be Mbappe.
The forward, now one of the best in the world, was good friends with Saliba when they were growing up, which could impact things.
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What Kylian Mbappe has said about William Saliba
Both Mbappe and Saliba grew up together and went to the same school, playing football with one another at the time.
Neither may have predicted the ridiculous heights they have hit since, becoming amongst the best in the world.
Speaking about their friendship in June 2024, Mbappe told Ouest-France: “I have known him since he was very, very young.
“We were in the same primary school in Bondy. 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! Then my dad trained him at AS Bondy. 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.”
The France national team captain was full of praise for him in the interview too, brandishing Saliba as one of the best.
He continued: “This season [2023/24], 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.”
There is clear admiration there, something that may play a big part in any potential deal going through to reunite the pair.
There was even a recent moment where Mbappe was seen applauding Saliba as he earned an award for being part of the Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament.
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What William Saliba has said about Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe isn’t the only one to discuss growing up with Saliba as the centre-back himself mentioned it as soon as he joined Arsenal.
Speaking to the official Arsenal website, he said: “Honestly, growing up on an estate helps. You’re together with all your mates, you get to play in your neighbourhood on the local five-a-side pitches.
“You’re all together, and everyone likes football there, so honestly it’s easy. When you come from an estate, you’ve got the determination to get out of it.
“I know Kylian Mbappe, too. He went to my primary school when we were little, and his father was my coach when I was little, too.”
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