- Arsenal have been given hope in signing French wonderkid William Saliba
- However, the defender's French club Saint Etienne want him to stay a little longer
- Saliba has been touted as an exciting prospect in Europe
Arsenal are inching closer to agreeing a deal for highly-rated Saint Etienne defender William Saliba.
The Emirates outfit are understood to be in advanced talks to sign the defender for a fee thought to be in the region of £25million.
However, the French club are keen to keep the 18-year-old for one more season before he leaves, with the club president confirming Saliba himself wants to stay longer.
“He will stay at the club this season. It is an imperative condition should we come to an agreement for his transfer. It’s also William’s wish," Romeyer was quoted in France as saying.
As such, Arsenal could be forced to make a small payment this summer and have the defender complete his switch next year.
Mail Online citing The Standard says Unai Emery would prefer Saliba to be available now, but would still wait to have him at the north London later.
Saliba made 16 appearances in Ligue 1 last season, and has also made appearances for the France Under-20 team.
Meanwhile, Arsenal also remain in the race for Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney even as Emery seeks to revamp his squad ahead of the new season.
Source: Tuko
