Arsenal are poised to begin talks with Saint-Etienne over the signing of William Saliba. The Ligue 1 youngster is hot property this summer, with a couple of clubs interested in signing the 18-year-old.
Le 10 Sport claim Manchester United are closely monitoring Saliba’s progress after the centre-back nailed down a starting place at centre-back in the final weeks of the Ligue 1 season. Despite United’s interest, it is their Premier League rivals Arsenal who are ready to open talks with Saint-Etienne.
However, Saint-Etienne are keen to keep Saliba at least for another year, and want his potential new club to agree to an immediate loan deal. Saliba will be allowed to leave if a bid of £26million is lodged and the loan demands are met. Saint-Etienne are prepared to listen to offers for Saliba.
Arsenal are not against the idea of loaning Saliba back to Saint-Etienne, but the Gunners are still weighing up whether to meet his club’s asking price. Portuguese giants Benfica are also keeping tabs on Saliba, although Saint-Etienne are yet to receive any formal bid for the Frenchman.
Unai Emery is facing a crucial summer at Arsenal, as the club have decided to hand the Spaniard a modest transfer budget, even if he secures Champions League football by winning the Europa League this week.
