Arsenal table £27m bid after agreeing personal terms but Tottenham set to hijack deal

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, the race for William Saliba hots-up…

Arsenal have tabled a £27m bid to sign William Saliba and have agreed personal terms with the centre-back but Tottenham are ready to hijack their rivals deal, according to reports via the Express.

Saliba is a product of the Saint-Etienne youth system and he’s emerged as one of the most highly-rated youngsters in French football since breaking into the first team set-up last year.

The teenager – who is predominantly a centre-back but is also comfortable playing at right-back – made 19 appearances in all competitions to help Saint-Etienne finish fourth in Ligue 1 last season and they boasted one of the best defensive records in the division.

The 19-year-old’s potential alerted Arsenal as Unai Emery identified Saliba as a prime summer transfer target and the Express are citing a report from RMC Sport that claims the Gunners have agreed personal terms over a five-year contract.

The French publication says Arsenal have also tabled a formal offer worth £27m including add-ons while the deal also includes a clause that meets Saint-Etienne’s demand to have Saliba back on loan for next season.

It looked like Arsenal were on the verge of wrapping-up a deal to sign the French Under-19 international, however, it seems the Gunners will now face late competition from north London rivals Tottenham.

RMC Sport claims Spurs have now contacted Saint-Etienne to inform them they will also be submitting a formal offer for Saliba over the coming days and urged the French outfit not to conclude any deal with Arsenal just yet.

The report suggests Tottenham are confident they will agree personal terms with the defender and be able to persuade Saliba to snub Arsenal in favour of a move to White Hart Lane this summer.

READ –> Arsenal transfer news | Spurs transfer news

Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly in the market for a centre-back to act as a long-term replacement for Toby Alderweireld and it appears Saliba is firmly on his radar with Tottenham ready to go head-to-head with Arsenal over his signature.