Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement with Saint-Etienne defender William Saliba.
The Gunners are eager to bolster their defensive options this summer and 18-year-old centre-back Saliba, who enjoyed an outstanding season with Saint-Etienne, has been heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium.
As reported by Foot Mercato, Arsenal have agreed a five-year deal for Saliba and must now strike a deal with Saint-Etienne.
France Under-19 international Saliba has been linked with several other major clubs, including Manchester City an Manchester United.
However, Arsenal appears his most likely destination and the tall defender would relish the opportunity to test himself in the Premier League.
Arsenal again struggled defensively last season, with Shkodran Mustafi error prone and Laurent Koscielny injury prone, a new centre-back is a must for Unai Emery's side.
Emery can also call upon Sokratis, Rob Holding (who is currently recovering from injury), and Konstantinos Mavropanos at the heart of the defence, but Saliba would represent an intriguing alternative option.
lingba
2092
Some words are Typical with Arsenal!, progressing, advanced,coming weeks etc
brandel
1807
Arsenal always targeting players on behalf of other teams. [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
yielding
1599
I'm now used to this same old routine. 1) arsenal agree personal terms with the player 2) arsenal are in advanced talks and are on the verge of signing the player. 3) all the sudden, arsenal are unable to complete the deal because of limited funds 😩😩
Solomans
78
Other Premier League teams & clubs from Serie A are also interested in Saliba so Arsenal will try to settle this transfer quickly.
Amanda-
72
It’s easier for Arsenal to reach agreements with clubs. But it’s absolutely difficult for them to bring out money to buy. They have reached agreements with almost all the clubs in the world but hardly buy players.
yeah00
56
William Saliba is a top talent. Would be a great signing for Arsenal. The kid has the ability to be the next VVD or Kompany.
emphasize
52
Arsenal are preparing a bid for William Saliba as Koscielny's potential long-term replacement. Emery has made Upamecano & Andersen priority targets to stiffen his central defence. But talks are also underway about a move for Saliba, who could even be loaned back to St-Etienne.
tension
52
This is not usually how Arsenal operate. They agree fee and then enter negotiations with player but times change I guess
promised
50
William Saliba. Mad movements. Arsenal - Active. 😭🤣
Samanthas
46
If Arsenal gets William Saliba it is indeed a great signing. But is it what Arsenal are looking for? A player who turned 18(!) in March. Great talent, but I feel like Arsenal need an experienced center half who could lead that back four.
technology
43
clubs to decide if he is going to get loaned back for the season or join Arsenal this year
promis
38
So according to reliable reports in France over the last couple of days we have agreed personal terms with both Alexis Claude-Maurice and William Saliba. Now we need to agree a fee with the clubs in question.