If the latest reports are to be believed, Arsenal remain confident that the club can complete a deal for French center back William Saliba.
The Guardian reports that the North London club are set to beat any interest that Tottenham might have in the defender. Spurs have tried to hijack a deal for the Frenchman at the last minute to prevent Saliba from going to the Emirates.
The report states that Tottenham offered St-Étienne a better deal than the Emirates club. Although the transfer fee is similar to what Arsenal offered, the Champions League runners-up but with better add-ons.
If earlier reports were to be believed, the Gunners had agreed on a deal that was worth around £27m but that deal may be in jeopardy now. The deal for the center back did include a clause that would send the player back on loan for the next season.
Reputed BBC journalist David Ornstein also confirmed the same:
‘Negotiations between Arsenal, Saint Etienne and Saliba were in their very final stages – much of it already in the hands of lawyers to agree wording of contracts etc – but Tottenham have reignited their interest and are now pushing hard to get the deal completed.’
It would not look good for the club if their arch-rivals were to nick in front of them and get a deal done for Saliba. Given the history that exists between both the clubs, it will not be a surprise if both the clubs fight it out till the end of the transfer window.
Saliba who is 18 is thought to be one of the most promising defenders to emerge out of France and it would be a major coup for the club if they manage to get him. But the way the payment would be structured is what is thought to be pushing the deal in favor of Tottenham.
They are willing to pay more of the amount upfront and that would suit Saint-Etienne better whereas the Gunners would want to pay less this summer and pay the majority of the deal when Saliba would actually join the Gunners.
A deal like this is less about the player and more about the power balance between Arsenal and their rivals. Saliba is a great talent for the future and the Gunners should try their best to get him to the club.
