North London giants Arsenal have agreed to a deal to sign Saint Etienne defender William Saliba according to trusted BBC journalist David Ornstein.
It was revealed that the Gunners have agreed to a £27m (€30m) deal to sign the defender but the young French centre back won’t join Arsenal until next summer.
William Saliba will spend the new season on loan at Saint Etienne after he has completed his move to Arsenal.
It was revealed that the 18-year-old will sign a five-year deal to become a summer signing at the Emirates Stadium.
William Saliba was one of the best young centre backs in French football last season.
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It was his breakthrough campaign as a professional footballer.
Saliba made 16 league appearances for Saint Etienne as he helped the French club secure fourth position at the end of last season.
Saint Etienne narrowly missed out on Champions League football which would have been possible with a top three finish.
BBC journalist David Ornstein also revealed that Arsenal will pay the transfer fee for William Saliba installmentally and that it won’t affect the £45m transfer budget for the Gunners.
The Gunners are also in the market for a new left-back, a centre back, a winger and a midfielder.