Saint-Etienne are prepared to sell defender William Saliba for €30m (£26m) but they would want the player back on loan, according to Le10 Sport.

The French publication say Arsenal are looking to make their move for the defender but Saint-Etienne are keen to get a similar deal to when Kurt Zouma joined Chelsea.

Zouma stayed at the French club for six months on loan before moving to Stamford Bridge. Considering the Gunners’ limited transfer budget and need for defensive reinforcements, it’s highly unlikely they’ll accept such a condition.

Saliba is also reportedly being pursued by Manchester United, who have a long-standing interest in the 18-year-old, while Portuguese champions Benfica are also said to be in the mix.

The centre-back made 19 appearances for Saint-Etienne last season, playing both as a right-back and in the centre of defence.

Saliba only made his senior debut against Toulouse back in September, and would certainly be a player purchased with the future in mind.