Arsenal are in pole position to land French centre-back sensation William Saliba.
According to Le10 Sport, the Gunners are negotiating with Saint Etienne for the 18-year-old.
And it's claimed that they have stolen a march on fellow Premier League interest from Manchester United , for a player also scouted by both Watford and Southampton last term.
Talks are said to be progressing well for the centre-back, whose agent was in London earlier this week.
However, Arsenal have a major issue in looking to land the France Under-19 international - a lack of funds.
A desire among Emirates top brass to ensure the club is self sufficient and a failure to reach the Champions League means Unai Emery is working on a tight budget.
Mirror Football has reported previously that the Spaniard will have a transfer pot of £40million to spend this summer, plus anything he makes on transfers.
But Saint-Etienne have placed a whopping £26million price tag on the head of Saliba.
AND they also want him back on loan next term.
If Spanish boss Emery makes Saliba his No.1 choice, and persuades club chiefs to spend over half his budget on one player, then there is no chance of him allowing for an immediate loan deal.
Saliba made 16 appearances for the Ligue 1 side in his break-through season.
Former Arsenal star Lauren has commented on his rise, stating that: "He looks a very good player.
"Strong, tall, can come out of the back with the ball and an international for France.
"He reads the game very well, which is important for a player at the back, you have to anticipate and he looks very good at just 18, so the future is bright!"
