Arsenal are determined to strengthen their squad before the start of next season and that process has already begun with reports claiming that they are on the verge of opening up talks with French side Saint-Etienne for one of their most exciting prospects.
According to the latest transfer speculation we are set to begin negotiations over the acquisition of William Saliba, who is also wanted by Manchester United.
The 18-year-old has been closely watched following some impressive displays at the centre of St Etienne’s defence showing a great sense of maturity despite his tender age.
Saliba has recently signed a new long term deal with St Etienne but it appears that they are more than willing to cash in on their young prospect and a fee of £26 Millon is being touted.
That said, they reportedly prefer a deal that will see Saliba remain in France for another year on loan and Arsenal are said to be open to that idea, however, I am far from convinced that would be the case, we are not in the position to be spending significant chunks of our transfer budget on a player we cannot utilise for a year.
That could well open up the door for United, they may well agree to the fee and loan back requirement more readily than what we would simply because they have the money to spend on players now and for the future.
Unai Emery will have to make the decision whether to agree to St Etienne’s terms or look elsewhere for a quality defender that we desperately need.
It would be good to see such a talented player as Saliba at the Emirates but I am not keen on having to wait an entire season before he joins us on a permanent basis.
However, Arsenal obviously already know the terms of any prospective deal and are clearly keen on beating United to the teenager otherwise why would they even be preparing to sit down and negotiate.