Arsenal
Arsenal on verge of sealing deal to sign £26.6m star, personal terms already agreed
William Saliba has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal and a potential £26.6m move from Saint-Etienne could be wrapped-up over the coming days
Managers are working hard trying to strengthen their squads during the summer transfer window so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip from around the globe. Today, Arsenal are closing in on William Saliba…
William Saliba has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal and a potential £26.6m move from Saint-Etienne could be wrapped-up over the coming days, according to Le10Sport.
Unai Emery is looking to strengthen his defensive options after Arsenal conceded 70 goals in all competitions last season and a long-term replacement for Laurent Koscielny is needed as the Frenchman has one year left on his deal and he’ll turn 34 in September.
Saliba has emerged as a prime target and FootMercato claimed earlier this week that a move to the Emirates was on the cards after Arsenal agreed personal terms with the centre-back over a five-year contract.
Le10Sport are now reporting that Arsenal are in negotiations with Saint-Etienne over a fee and with an agreement already in place with the player, they say a deal could be wrapped-up over the next few days.
The French publication suggests that Arsenal haven’t been put off by Saint-Etienne’s demand to have Saliba back on loan for next season as part of the deal but we are trying to lower their £26.6m asking price.
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So it looks as though Arsenal are closing in on our first major signing of the summer window and I think Saliba would be a great long-term addition to the squad if we can get this proposed deal over the line.
Obviously it’s not ideal if he’s allowed to re-join Saint-Etienne on loan next season as we need reinforcements immediately but if Arsenal feel Saliba is a huge talent for the future, then it’s a price worth paying.
The 18-year-old is one of the best young defenders in French football and has represented his country at various youth levels so he should be a terrific long-term replacement for Koscielny.
READ MORE –> Arsenal transfer news
My only concern is I hope we don’t leave ourselves short of money to strengthen the squad elsewhere if we use a large portion of this summers budget on a player that won’t be available for another 12 months.
