Arsenal fans believe William Saliba is already preparing for next month’s Champions League quarter-final.

The defender is currently on international duty with France ahead of their Nations League quarter-final against Croatia.

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Arsenal fans have spotted something about Saliba in France’s team photo[/caption]

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The Gunners defender lined up next to Kylian Mbappe[/caption]

Saliba has been joined in the squad by several Real Madrid stars, with the Gunners meeting the Spanish giants in April.

The two sides will meet at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg on April eight before the reverse fixture in Madrid eight days later.

Kylian Mbappe, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardio Camavinga have all lined up for a team photo alongside Saliba this week.

The French squad posed with manager Didier Deschamps before travelling to Croatia for Thursday’s opening leg.

In the photo, both Mbappe and Saliba are sat in the front row, with the pair seated next to each other.

Saliba’s stern expression has caused Arsenal fans to believe he is already focused on their crucial European clash.

Reacting to the photo, one supporter wrote: “Got Mbappe in his pocket even on the same team.”

Another added: “Asserting dominance already.”

A third fan also commented: “Can clearly see his stance is to intimidate Mbappe. Early mind games.”

Meanwhile, one more said: “He’s showing who’s boss next to Mbappe.”

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Saliba failed to win any of his three meetings with Mbappe in France[/caption]

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He will be key for Arsenal in their Champions League clash with Real Madrid[/caption]

Saliba has yet to taste victory in three previous meetings with Mbappe during his time on loan in Ligue 1.

The then Paris Saint-Germain forward scored once across those fixtures against Nice and Marseille, with Saliba only keeping a clean sheet on one occasion.

Meanwhile, 18 of the Arsenal centre-backs 26 senior international caps have been alongside Mbappe.

Deschamps handed Saliba his debut one day after his 21st birthday back in 2022.

Ahead of his Champions League commitments, he will be aiming to help his country reach the Nations League finals.

France face Croatia away from home on Thursday before the second leg at the Stade de France in Paris on Sunday.

The winner of the tie will face either the Netherlands or Spain in the semi-finals in June.

Les Bleus previously won the second edition of the Nations League in 2021, beating Spain in the final.