However, bold new reports on Thursday morning claim they are also plotting a blockbuster move for Arsenal star Saliba.
And according to HITC, Ancelotti wants Saliba to join their growing French colony in the Spanish capital with Mbappe poised to join the likes of Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni at the Bernabeu.
Indeed, the signing of a new centre-half this summer has suddenly become a pressing issue for Real, who have been forced to play veteran star Nacho there this season alongside Antonio Rudiger and following injuries to David Alaba and Eder Militao.
And while it is not claimed how much Real would need to spend to even get Arsenal towards the negotiating table, it’s reported it could take a fee in excess of €100m (£85.5m) for starters.
Per the report, “Real Madrid scouts have been ‘hugely impressed’ with the young French star and issued some glowing reports on him this season and they feel he is one of the stand-out defenders in world football”.
Furthermore, it’s claimed that Saliba, despite being born in Bondy, a north-east suburb of Paris, grew up in awe of Real Madrid, with posters of Cristiano Ronaldo adourning his walls as a child.
Mikel Arteta, of course, would fight tooth and nail to retain the services of his star defender, who has developed into one of their most important players and is now regarded by many as the best defender in the Premier League.
As a result, we understand Arsenal would not even consider his exit with the club likely to issue a ‘not-for-sale’ stance if Real do come calling.
Having sent on a series of loans upon signing for the Gunners, he has impressed hugely over the last two seasons, and was rewarded with a new deal last summer, tying him to the club until 2027.
He has been described as “brilliant” and “exceptional” by the Arsenal boss over the last year, with the defender making 44 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice this season.
