Arsenal transfer dealings have been quite so far, but the Premier League giants are reportedly on the brink of completing their second acquisition of the summer.
The Gunners are in need of defensive reinforcements and this has led them to scout William Saliba. Their interest in the 18-year-old is no kept secret and despite initial reports that negotiations broke down, the north London heavyweights are now reportedly close to completing a deal.
As stated by Yahoo Sport France, the youngster will put pen-to-paper on a five-year deal with the English top-flight side. He will cost the club a reported $33M but the Gunners will be made to wait to see him don their famous jersey.
William Saliba (ASSE) will join Arsenal. 5-year contract. To be loaned to Saint next season.
William Saliba ( ASSE) va s’engager avec Arsenal. Contrat de 5 ans. Prêt à Sainté la saison prochaine.
— Yahoo Sport France (@YahooSportFR) July 9, 2019
The center-back currently plies his trade at Saint-Etienne, where he enjoyed a breakthrough 2018/19 campaign. The rumored deal with Arsenal will see him be loaned back to his Ligue 1 employers for the 2019/20 campaign before joining up with Emirates Stadium side in the summer of 2020.
Emery was keen on avoiding loaning him back. However, Saint-Etienne insisted on this and with Tottenham having thrown their hat in the race, Arsenal grew worried about missing out on the highly-rated defender.
Saliba stands at 6 ft 4 in tall and despite his young age, has shown maturity in his game. He would be a signing for the future should last season's Europa League runners-up complete the deal, as Emery looks to add young blood to his squad.
