Arsenal reach agreement with 18-year-old defender – report
Arsenal have reached an agreement with William Saliba about a move to The Emirates, say reports
Arsenal have reached an agreement with William Saliba over a transfer to The Emirates this summer – but they must now agree a fee with Saint-Etienne, according to reports in the French media.
French outlet Foot Mercato, as quoted by Metro, is reporting that the Gunners are keen to bring the 18-year-old to north London this summer and that both Manchester clubs have also shown an interest in the defender.
However, the same story says that it looks as though Arsenal have won the race to sign the teenager, as they have agreed a five-year contract with the Frenchman.
That agreement, however, has only been made with the player himself, and the Gunners are yet to agree a fee with Saint-Etienne for the transfer, according to the same story.
It is claimed in the same report that the French club are believed to want around £26m for the teenager this summer, although Arsenal are said to have been “doing their best” to drive down their asking price in recent weeks.
Saliba made 19 appearances in all competitions for Saint-Etienne last season.
Arsenal are thought to be on the lookout for a number of new signings this summer, but their transfer budget is believed to be limited by their failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
