Arsenal could be on the verge of losing out to Tottenham in their pursuit of St Etienne youngster William Saliba, according to reports in the French media.
Arsenal has apparently tabled a €23 Million bid with add ons for the 18-year-old thus taking the potential full amount to €30 Million.
But that is not good enough for the French club, not only do they want the full amount paid up front they also want to keep the teenager on loan for another season.
Unai Emery has reportedly agreed to the loan part but the actual transfer fee remains the sticking point.
It appears Spurs are willing to pay the full amount and loan the teenager back in the event they manage to keep Toby Alderweireld for another season.
This puts Emery in a tricky position, he now knows that if he does to accede to St Etienne’s demands he will lose out on one of his major targets.
The French outfit has really played hardball in this saga, which is their right of course but Arsenal should have walked away long ago. The writing was on the wall that St Etienne was not going to be reasonable and there is enough talent out there not to be held to ransom like this.
It will be hugely frustrating if Tottenham signs the lad but so be it. There is no guarantee that Saliba will be a success in English football and his price just seems too high now.