Reported Arsenal transfer target William Saliba has pulled out of the France squad for the under-20s World Cup.
The St Etienne defender completed 90 minutes in a 3-0 win over Nice, during the last round of fixtures in Ligue 1 but is believed to have picked up an abductor injury in the clash and has consequently been forced to pull out of Les Bleus' squad at the last minute.
He has been replaced by Barcelona's Jean-Clair Todibo.
The injury may put the Gunners' interest in the 18-year-old into doubt depending on the severity, although it could also open up the opportunity to enter into discussions earlier.
Arsenal and Manchester United have been linked with the star, who has been compared to compatriot , though the Frenchman has recently signed a new deal with Saint-Étienne which runs until 2023.
Upon signing his new contract, he commented on ignoring speculation regarding his future and just trying to keep improving with St Étienne.
"I am very happy to extend my adventure with St Étienne, the club where I came up from as a youngster,” Saliba said.
"I want to stay concentrated, with my head on my shoulders, and to continue to work. I have still not done anything and I still have it all to prove.
"The end of the season will be exciting to live through and I cannot wait to participate in it."
Le10Sport did report the Red Devils were keen to sign the 18-year-old and then loan him back to Saint-Étienne so he could continue his development.
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