Arsenal have reportedly completed the signing of talented young French center back William Saliba from Saint-Etienne.
Though the news has not yet been confirmed by any of the clubs involved, Yahoo Sports France have tweeted about the deal. This is what they had to say:
https://twitter.com/YahooSportFR/status/1148555396841447424
‘William Saliba (ASSE) will commit to Arsenal. 5-year contract. Ready for Sainté next season.’
But fans will have to be a little patient in order to see Saliba turn out for Arsenal as he will be sent back on loan to Saint-Etienne for the next season.
This news was given further credence with Mohamed Boufasi who works for RMC Sport giving more details about the move for the youngster. He said:
“William Saliba to Arsenal is essentially complete. #Arsenal and ASSE have reached an agreement of around €30M. Whilst both clubs are still discussing transfer bonuses, the player has already agreed with Arsenal.’
William #Saliba to Arsenal is essentially complete. #Arsenal and ASSE have reached an agreement of around €30M. Whilst both clubs are still discussing transfer bonuses, the player has already agreed with Arsenal. #RMCsport
— Mohamed Bouhafsi (@mohamedbouhafsi) July 8, 2019
The fee seems a little high for a player who turned 18 earlier this year but given the amount of potential that Saliba has, it is understandable why Saint-Etienne were holding out for so much.
The French side wanted their man back on loan for another season and the North London club have begrudgingly agreed to that. One good thing about the current deal is that Arsenal will only have to pay a small fee this season as he will not be coming to the Emirates.
According to reports in Evening Standard, the bulk of the £25m fee will have to be paid next season when Saliba will actually turn out for the Gunners. The youngster is thought to be one of the most exciting defensive talents to come out of France in the recent past. There are some suggestions that he could develop in the same way as Raphael Varane.
Saliba becomes the second signing for the Gunners after they recently confirmed the arrival of another exciting talent in Gabriel Martinelli. While fans of the club will surely be happy with such arrivals, they will be hoping that the Gunners are also looking at more experienced players who can immediately make an impression for the first team.
The logic behind sending Saliba back on loan would be to let him develop in an atmosphere where he is comfortable. Hopefully, Arsenal get a more rounded player and one that can help their defense immensely.
