One of the players that have consistently been linked with Arsenal is St Etienne’s William Saliba, but according to the French clubs Chairman, there is no rush to conclude a deal.
Bernard Caiazzo told French media that there is one imperative to any deal and that is Saliba will remain at the club next season and that the club is not in a position where it has to sell.
On top of that, Saliba himself does not want to leave this season.
“Our accounts are balanced, so there’s no imperative need to sell him,” Caiazzo said
“We know there are solicitations and that his future will be via a top European club, but there’s no rush.
“He will stay this season.
“That’s an imperative condition if we are to find an agreement for his transfer.
“We’ve clearly defined the conditions.
“It’s also William’s wish. He wants to wear the green shirt this season, to play in the Europa League, and he wants to get better before leaving.”
That seems fairly clear to me, if Arsenal wants to sign the 18-year-old they will have to pay the asking price and loan the player back for a year and it does not seem that there is any budging from Caiazzo.
It is accepted that Saliba will leave St Etienne but it is going to be on their terms and the most crucial part of all this, is that they have the player on side.
It is always better to listen to representatives from the club that goes on the record, that does not mean he is necessarily telling the whole truth but it would appear very unlikely that they have any agreement in place with Arsenal, or for that matter Tottenham.
Saliba may well end up at Arsenal but from what I can see we are no closer today to a deal than we were a month ago.