Arsenal fans on Twitter have been talking about Saint-Etienne’s William Saliba.
The Gunners are reportedly interested in a centre-back who plays in Ligue One and the 18-year-old’s name has been mentioned as a possible target.
Supporters are not sure whether Saliba would be of the right calibre to reinforce the club’s shaky backline:
Very good prospect but he can’t be a starter surely
— Cypriot Gooner (@KKatsonouris) May 19, 2019
He’s one of the best defenders in the ligue. He’s clearly better than Mustafi
— Pulisic (@laxe_pi) May 19, 2019
Better than Maldini and Cannavaro
— Naz (@Naz_AFC1) May 19, 2019
I don’t believe arsenal will be going for someone who is just 18yr to lead our defence when we actually need a natural born leader
— ZEUS OF ARSENAL (@mc002capua) May 19, 2019
Thanks, it would be a great signing. but our budget….
— アバラ (@HoldingRowe) May 19, 2019
18?
— Andrew Skinner (@AndrewSkinner25) May 19, 2019
Another young nobody.
— MatPal (@PallecPaluch) May 19, 2019
This would be old school Arsenal signing. Relatively uknown and young but very good potential. Also 6ft 4 which is spot on what we need in that area with our current backline. Only 18. I reckon £20-£25m would do it.
— Chris (@CYIce1) May 19, 2019
18 what? We’ll pass. Please I don’t want to hear any of these bull this window we need a direct impact to the team not pupils
— Princewill?? (@wisegooner) May 19, 2019
Saliba is also reportedly on Manchester United’s radar, with rumours suggesting that Saint-Etienne value the player as high as £25m.
A move for the defender could, therefore, take a large chunk out of Arsenal’s limited transfer budget.
This season, Saliba made his senior debut, starting the 3-2 win over Toulouse in September. He has since made 14 further appearances for Saint-Etienne.
Nearing the end of the campaign, the teenager had become a regular in the Ligue One outfit’s first team, starting the last six league games.
Saliba also signed a new contract last month meaning any club interested in recruiting the centre-back will have to meet Saint-Etienne’s valuation of the player.
