Arsenal are in the market for defensive reinforcements this summer.
And the most likely new signing appears to be William Saliba.
Saint Etienne are adamant, however, that the 18-year-old stays in France with them on a season-long loan as part of any Arsenal transfer deal.
Arsenal, though, need new players now, particularly given Laurent Koscielny's decision to stay at home instead of going on the pre-season tour of the United States.
Arsenal left for the tour on Thursday, with Koscielny absent.
In a statement, Arsenal said: "We are very disappointed by Laurent’s actions, which are against our clear instructions.
"We hope to resolve this matter and will not be providing any further comment at this time."
Spending £25million on Saliba and then sending him back on loan, when the Gunners only have a £45million budget to spend this summer, would not seem like the best business.
But regardless, he would be a welcome addition to the squad, even if they do have to wait until the 2020/21 season to sewe him.
And Arsenal fans will be hoping Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang holds the same sort of sway over players at St Etienne.
The Gabon striker spent a year with St Etienne from 2012 to 2013 and has had an impact with a player signing for the French team this summer.
Denis Bouanga joined the French outfit for €4.5million this summer and according to French outlet Buzzsport.fr, Aubameyang spoke to his Gabon team-mate and convinced the 24-year-old winger to move to Saint-Etienne when he was planning to leave Nimes.
Can Aubameyang do the same thing when it comes to Arsenal securing a deal to leave St Etienne and join Arsenal?
