Arsenal defender William Saliba has agreed a five-year contract, sources have told ESPN.

The France international is yet to sign the deal, but, first reported by the Athletic , he has agreed terms on the three-year extension in the belief that Arsenal is the right club at this stage in his career.

The deal is a blow to Real Madrid , who were monitoring Saliba's situation as they are looking for a centre-back amid the uncertain futures of David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger .

Sources said the LaLiga giants rated Saliba ahead of Liverpool 's Ibrahima Konaté , although any move would now seem highly unlikely due to the 24-year-old's new long-term contract.

- Transfer rumours, news: Follow ESPN's daily live blog

- Onuoha: Clubs shouldn't exile players, like Chelsea with Ste

See Full Page