Arsenal have made a €25 million (£22.5m/$28.5m) bid to sign Saint-Etienne defender William Saliba although they are set to face competition from their north London rivals Tottenham for the 18-year-old.
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According to sources close to the player, the Gunners have opened discussions with ASSE and put their first offer on the table, although no agreement has yet been reached.
Watch video – William Saliba – Insane Defending Skills and Passing
As reported by Goal, Saliba is Arsenal’s top summer transfer target as Unai Emery looks to improve his defence ready for the 2019-20 campaign.
The Gunners have been watching Saliba extensively over the 2018-19 campaign and have been impressed by his maturity, while he stands at an imposing 6’4″ and fits the type of profile of player Emery is looking to recruit.
William Saliba signed a new four-year contract in April, but it is understood that the Ligue 1 outfit are aware that it will be hard to keep hold of the France Under-19 international for another season.
Tottenham like the Saint-Étienne defender – and Arsenal target – William Saliba, while Crystal Palace are in for Nice winger and subeditor’s dream Allan Saint-Maximin.