Arsenal 'are considering a summer move for Saint-Etienne's 18-year-old defender William Saliba' as Unai Emery looks to bolster an often leaky back line.
Saliba, who stands at an imposing 6ft 4in, has enjoyed a breakthrough season in Ligue 1, making 19 appearances in all competitions.
And, according to Goal, Arsenal have been keeping a close eye on his progress and are impressed with the maturity the teenager has shown.
Saliba is valued at around £25million and interest from across Europe is growing.
Having missed out on Champions League qualification through the Premier League top four this season, Arsenal are looking to freshen up their squad with young talent.
They already have an agreement in place with Ituano for the 17-year-old Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli and Saliba could be the next addition.
Arsenal scouts watched him in action again on Saturday when Saint-Etienne won 3-0 at home to Nice, who are coached by Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira.
Saliba did sign a new four-year contract in April but Saint-Etienne are braced for interest in a player who has also been linked with Manchester United.
Ex-United manager Jose Mourinho has previously praised the player, saying: 'I think he has everything needed to become a good player, much like Kurt Zouma.'
Arsenal still have the chance to qualify for next season's Champions League if they beat Chelsea in the final in Baku on May 29.