Saint-Etienne president Bernard Caiazzo has confirmed that defender William Saliba is on course to sign for Arsenal.

There has still been no official confirmation about the deal despite it being known for a number of days that the Gunners have won the race for the 18-year-old.

However, when asked about Saliba and if there had been any progress in the £27m transfer, Caiazzo revealed that the signing should be finalised soon, with the player staying on loan in France:

“Everything is on track with Arsenal. William will spend next season with us.”

Tottenham had tried to hijack the deal but with the French club confident on the deal going ahead, it appears now to be only a formality.

The decision to loan back Saliba will no doubt frustrate many Gunners fans but it is believed Saint-Etienne would not agree to a sale unless they kept the player for a further year.

The centre-back is expected in England for a medical next week following the end of Saint-Etienne’s tour in the United States, with it being reported that he will sign a five-year contract with Arsenal.