North London giants Arsenal will reportedly make a first bid for Saint Etienne defender William Saliba before the end of this week.
This is according to the publication from the stables of Yahoo Sport France which claimed that talks are progressing well between Arsenal and Saint Etienne.
Arsenal manager Unai Emery is keen to bolster his squad on the defensive front this summer and William Saliba has been identified as one of their top targets.
William Saliba enjoyed a breakthrough season in the colours of Saint Etienne in the last French Ligue 1 campaign.
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The 18-year-old made 16 league appearances for Saint Etienne who finished the season just outside the Champions League places.
The player is expected to leave Saint Etienne this summer despite the fact that he recently signed a contract extension until the end of the 2022/23 season.
Saint Etienne would sell William Saliba for at least £26m this summer but the French club is only willing to sanction a transfer if they can have him back on loan for the new season.
Arsenal boss Unai Emery is not willing to send William Saliba back to Saint Etienne on loan if the Gunners secure a transfer for him.
The Spanish tactician is looking to rectify a defense that conceded 51 goals last season.
