Arsenal have won the race for Saint-Etienne defender William Saliba, according to multiple reports in the English media.
The Gunners have secured the 18-year-old for €30m (£27m) with the centre-back returning on loan to France for next season.
Most fans on Twitter can’t wait to see Saliba put on an Arsenal shirt:
This is exciting stuff
— Josh Blunden (@blunden_josh) 19 July 2019
He is definitely the one for the future and just clock 18. Watch out for this new Jaap Stam at his prime….
— Abiodun David Temitope (@Davidtopsy) 19 July 2019
That is a proper signing.
— JustJack (@justjack652) 19 July 2019
Finally
— Gho$ting? (@GhosstwXw) 19 July 2019
It’s better for his development since he’s only 18 and only played 16 games last season it will help adapt him to playing full time and be ready for the prem
— Kyle Johnston (@KyleJohnston_13) 19 July 2019
Meanwhile over at Spurs… pic.twitter.com/lnTZV36lir
— Father_Ted_Arsenal (@FatherTedArse) 19 July 2019
While some can’t understand the logic in the loan agreement that the Gunners have accepted:
Don't understand loaning him back to the team coz arsenal need defence this is not just ok
— uthman (@Youngusee) 19 July 2019
What kinda deal is this?
— Gladdo…?✈️☁️?? (@Munash3TheMull) 19 July 2019
@arsenal stop being foolish and dumb in the transfer window . if he is that good why loan him back and not put him straight into the first team
— dayo kazeem (@darkchild2691) 19 July 2019
With just 19 appearances in professional football, it would have been a baptism of fire if Saliba was asked to become a first-team regular straight away at Arsenal anyway.
At least this will allow the teenager to get a full campaign of senior football under his belt before he arrives at the Emirates.
The Gunners are still left woefully understaffed at centre-back, especially with the ongoing situation regarding Laurent Koscielny. Manager Unai Emery will surely want to strengthen the centre of defence before the transfer window closes.