Arsenal transfer news: Saint-Etienne president confirms William Saliba will sign for the Gunners but will return to Ligue 1 on loan

Saint-Etienne’s club president has confirmed that Arsenal will sign William Saliba.

The Gunners are set to beat Tottenham to the 18-year-old’s signature.

It had been reported earlier this week that a five-year deal had been agreed with the centre-back.

Spurs are thought to have made a late move for Saliba but he will instead join their rivals.

The transfer fee reported has been £27million and it was expected that he would stay at Saint-Etienne for the 2019/20 season.

Club president Bernard Caiazzo confirmed that everything is going through with the Gunners and he will be loaned straight back.

Speaking to Le Progres, Caiazzo said: “Everything is on track with Arsenal.

“William will spend next season with us.”

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The French publication also claimed that the clause keeping Saliba at the club next season was considered non-negotiable by the Ligue 1 side.

Unai Emery is in desperate need of a centre-back who can make an immediate impact at the club but that did not deter them from trying to get the teenager.

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Club captain Laurent Koscielny refused to travel on their pre-season tour of the United States and is seeking a move away from north London.