Arsenal are yet to make a signing this summer, but there has been plenty of talk behind the scenes about where and how the Gunners will spend their limited budget.
Now, a report in France suggests that Arsenal are hoping to soon complete a deal for teenage defender William Saliba from St Etienne.
Manchester United and Manchester City have both been linked with the emerging talent, but Le10Sport’s report suggests that Arsenal are now leading the race and confident of sealing a deal.
After a second bid was rejected for Andersen, a defender from Sampdoria, it seems Arsenal have pressed ahead with a move for Saliba. The report says that a €30m move to the Gunners is progressing well and that it is possible that (a move to Arsenal) will be finalised in the coming weeks.Saliba has only just turned 18, has been a regular for St Etienne this season and stands at 6ft 4′. He could take some time to settle in the Premier League, but he certainly has a huge amount of potential, reads the game very well and is comfortable on the ball.
Manchester City were thought to be favourites to complete a deal for Saliba due to their willingness to loan the player back to his current club next season. Arsenal are understandably not willing to offer such a luxury considering they need defensive reinforcements right now.
If he does sign, Saliba may not be the only defensive reinforcement this summer, with the club also keen to sign a new left-back and possibly another central defender, depending on how many players they manage to sell.
The club appear willing to listen to offers for Nacho Monreal, Laurent Koscielny, Shkodran Mustafi and Sead Kolasinac in order to raise more funds for Unai Emery to bring in players that suit his system.