Arsenal hit with surprise Real Madrid and PSG transfer bombs as deadline day approaches

Arsenal have reportedly rejected two fresh approaches for defender William Saliba. The Gunners are orchestrating a major reshuffle at present, but have now been forced to rebuff interest in one of their key players.

Mikel Arteta headed into the summer transfer window with a clear plan of bringing in reinforcements in every department, and he is now just one winger away from completing his overhaul.

Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi have all arrived at the Emirates Stadium for big money and are expected to make an instant impact in north London. Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Cristhian Mosquera have all also put pen to paper with the Gunners, adding depth and experience to the overall squad.

Arsenal are in the market for another winger, but they are also prioritising player sales. Leandro Trossard, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior all face uncertain futures in the final fortnight of the summer transfer window, with Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira also attracting interest.

Saliba is also being eyed by a host of top clubs around Europe, and Just Arsenal report that Arteta's side have now recently rejected approaches from both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain for their No. 2.

The Gunners have no interest in entertaining approaches for the defender and have made it 'crystal clear that he is not for sale'. Instead, Arsenal view him as a 'cornerstone' of their backline in both the short and long-term future.

Sporting director Andrea Berta is working to strike a new contract agreement with Saliba, who is tied down until 2027 at present. However, Arsenal are hoping to extend that deal and increase his wage package to make him one of the highest paid players at the club.

Real Madrid and PSG are said to have accepted Arsenal's stance and have now turned their attention to alternative options. Both clubs are also considering Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate, who is in the final 12 months of his contract at Anfield and yet to pen an extension, with negotiations threatening to collapse previously.

Konate has rejected a number of extension offers already, and it remains to be seen whether the Reds ultimately decide to cash in on the Frenchman rather than risk him walking away as a free agent next summer.