Saint-Etienne captain Loic Perrin has warned William Saliba the hard work starts now as the teenager closes in on a move to Arsenal.
The Gunners are expected to tie up a deal worth around £27million for Saliba this week, with the defender being loaned back to Saint-Etienne for the forthcoming season as part of the agreement.
The 18-year-old has just one season of first-team football under his belt so far, but he has shone in that time playing alongside Perrin in the heart of Saint-Etienne’s defence.
The club captain is unsurprised by Arsenal’s advances for Saliba, but he has warned the young defender that the hard work starts now as he looks to gain more experience from another year of Ligue 1 football before heading to north London.
“He blew up in the space of a year,” Perrin told French broadcaster RMC.
“The hardest part begins for him now.
“He doesn't have many Ligue 1 matches under his belt. I hope this year will allow him to collect playing time so that he can leave ready.”
Like Arsenal, Saint-Etienne are currently in Washington for their pre-season tour and as such it is hoped a deal for Saliba can be completed in the coming days.
That will not bring an end to Arsenal’s transfer business, though, with Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos a possible arrival on loan.
The club also retain an interest in Celtic defender Kieran Tierney and are expected to make a renewed approach after failing with offers so far.
Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha is a player who remains on Arsenal’s radar too and it led to Alex Iwobi suggesting over the weekend he may have to leave the club if the Ivorian arrives.
“I am up for the fight but the only time I would consider leaving is if I am not playing as much as I would like to,” Iwobi told The Sun.
However the Nigerian has moved to clarify his comments, tweeting: “Fake News & Click Bait! I Don’t know Why Some Newspapers Enjoy Twisting Words. I Hope We Sign World Class Players @Arsenal And Progress As A Team. I’m Looking Forward To The New Season. Happy Sunday.”
