Arsenal have reportedly agreed a contract with Saint Etienne youngster William Saliba and will now look to agree a fee. The 18-year-old is regarded as one of the best prospects in Europe and now Arsenal look to have stolen a march on their rivals for his signature.
He made 19 appearances for his club last season and was rewarded with his good form with a new four-year contract. Saint Etienne are reluctant to sell the central defender but reports in his native France claim that Arsenal have agreed terms on a five-year contract from the next season onwards.
One of the Ligue 1 side’s conditions of the deal is getting him back on loan for next season in what would be a £25million deal. Gunners boss Unai Emery is keen to bolster his defensive ranks though without Champions League football will not be given a war chest to improve his squad. He is instead looking to cheaper younger options with Saliba looking close to joining.
