Arsenal are interested in bringing Saint-Etienne defender William Saliba to the Emirates Stadium this summer, according to reports.
The 18-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season in France, making 16 league appearances for the club and helping them to a fourth-place finish in Ligue 1.
The teenage centre-back has already caught the eye with his performances, leading to comparisons with Real Madrid defender Rafael Varane, who played at Lens before moving to the Bernabeu.
After watching his side concede 51 goals in the Premier League this season, Goal reports that Unai Emery has identified Saliba as an ideal target as he looks to make improvements to his defence.
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The publication claims that the 6ft 4 centre-back has been watched regularly by the Gunners during the current campaign and that he has impressed scouts with his maturity.
It is also reported that Premier League club were present to watch the Frenchman in action during Saint-Etienne's 3-0 win against Nice on Saturday.
Despite signing a new four-year deal with the French outfit in April, Saliba is expected to leave the club this summer, with Manchester United also previously linked with a move for the defender.
And former Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho believes the France Under-19 international has the qualities needed to be a success.
"I think he has everything needed to become a good player, much like Kurt Zouma, who I signed [for Chelsea ]," he told RMC Sport, via Metro .
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Emery is expected to make a number of changes to his squad this summer after watching his side finish fifth in the Premier League - one point off a top four spot.
Midfielder Aaron Ramsey has already agreed to join Juventus , while defenders Stephan Lichtsteiner and Shkodran Mustafi are also expected to leave the North London club.
Reports indicate that the Gunners boss will only be given around £40 million to spend on new faces, but that figure could increase if Arsenal secure a place in next year's Champions League by beating Chelsea in the Europa League final.
