New Arsenal signing discusses growing up with Kylian Mbappe

New Arsenal signing William Saliba has revealed that he grew up with Kylian Mbappe in the same suburb of Paris.

The 18-year-old defender signed for Arsenal last week after weeks of speculation linking him with a move to The Emirates.

Saliba will spend next season on loan back to Saint Etienne to further his development before linking up with Unai Emery’s squad permanently next summer.

Bondy, a northeastern suburb in Paris, is quickly gaining a reputation as being a hotbed of footballing talent.

And Saliba has now revealed that he grew up with PSG star Mbappe in the same area of the French capital.

Speaking in an interview with Arsenal Player, Saliba said: “I grew up on an estate.

“Honestly, growing up on an estate helps. You’re together with all your mates, you get to play in your neighbourhood on the local five-a-side pitches.

“You’re all together, and everyone likes football there, so honestly it’s easy. When you come from an estate, you’ve got the determination to get out of it.

“I know Kylian Mbappe, too. He went to my primary school when we were little, and his father was my coach when I was little, too.”

Saliba made 16 Ligue 1 appearances for Saint-Etienne last season and also featured twice in the Coupe de France for his side.

Arsenal will kick off their Premier League campaign with a trip to Newcastle United on 11 August.

The Gunners – who have not won the title since their famous unbeaten triumph in 2004 – are looking to try and break back into the top four this season after they finished fifth and without a trophy last term.