Arsenal are close to signing Saint-Etienne defender William Saliba for €25m (£22m), according to ESPN UK.

Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain were also believed to be interested in the 18-year-old, but it appears the Gunners are the ones who have won the race.

However, it does seem that Saliba may stay at Saint-Etienne on loan for another year in order to continue his development.

Considering Arsenal’s limited budget, it would be a very curious decision for the London club to make. They would spend half of their transfer kitty on a player they can’t play for another season.

Especially with manager Unai Emery desperately needing defensive reinforcements, it would essentially deny him a key signing for a position he requires strengthening this summer.

Whether the loan part of the deal is confirmed, it remains to be seen. If it was the only way to get the transfer over the line for a player they rate highly, it would be more understandable but even so, it is a huge risk.