European giants scout Arsenal defender

Gabriel Martinelli’s late goal salvaged a point for Arsenal against Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Erling Haaland had given the visitors an early lead at The Emirates, continuing his fine run of form, and Pep Guardiola’s side looked set to see out an impressive victory in North London.

That was the case until Martinelli’s fine lobbed finish in added time, rescuing an important point for Mikel Arteta’s side.

The Gunners now sit second in the Premier League table, while City occupy ninth place.

In the wake of the match, it has emerged that one of Europe’s biggest clubs had scouts in attendance at the game.

According to TBR Football, Real Madrid sent scouts to watch Sunday’s game, with a particular interest in Arsenal defender William Saliba.

Saliba has attracted interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid (Photo: Sportimage Ltd/Alamy)

The report claims that the La Liga giants are on the hunt for a new central defender, with ex-Chelsea man Antonio Rudiger expected to depart the Spanish capital at the end of the current season.

Over the summer, Real won the race to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, a player that Arsenal were also interested in.

Real’s hunt for another new centre-back has lead them to consider a move for Saliba, with the 24-year-old in the final 24 months of his current contract.

Saliba joined Arsenal from French side Saint-Etienne back in 2019 and has since spent time on loan at his former side, as well as fellow French sides Nice and Marseille.

He returned to London in 2022 and has since established himself as a key part of Mikel Arteta’s side, forming a strong defensive partnership with Gabriel.

While Real Madrid are said to be interested in Saliba, the Spanish side are also believed to be keeping an eye on Marc Guehi, Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano, who are all currently set to be free agents at the end of the season.