Arsenal have reportedly won the hunt to sign William Saliba from Saint-Etienne. The defender has been on the radar of both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal this summer and the former had recently sort to hijack the deal from the Gunners’ grasp.
However, that has not been the case and local French outlet Peuple-Vert reports that they have won the race for the player’s signature with the 18-year-old himself said to favour a move to the red side of north London.
The Gunners were initially aiming to land the central defender on a £27m package but their prospects were scuppered at the final hurdle with Spurs coming up with a better proposal.
As such, they have had to make an improved offer of £29.8m plus £6.3m in add-ons and that has been eventually accepted by the French club, who will keep Saliba on loan next season.
Saliba may have made just 16 appearances in the French top-flight but he has certainly gathered interest from two of the Premier League’s elite clubs this summer.
Arsenal have ultimately won the transfer battle for the teenage defender and the same may not happen their budget for the summer, given they will pay up the fees in the form of installments.
Just get it done! If only to stuff the spuds. TO MOVE on to a player who can make a difference this season. Just a few weeks left.