Arsenal supporters have been sent into meltdown this afternoon after arch rivals Tottenham Hotspur reportedly gazumped their bid to sign Saint-Etienne defender William Saliba.
The young defender looked set for a move to the Emirates after the two clubs finally made a breakthrough following months of negotiations.
However, reports in France claim Tottenham have matched the Gunners' bid at the last hour, making it a north London battle for his signature.
Spurs’ allure of Champions League football could prove too strong for Unai Emery’s negotiators, leaving their summer transfer plans in tatters.
This news comes just days following club captain Laurent Koscielny’s refusal to travel for Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the USA and, with the Frenchman’s future in doubt, that has placed even more importance on securing Saliba’s signature.
For Tottenham, they're could be in need of a new centre-back following reports linking Toby Alderweireld with a £25m move to AS Roma.
That could be the catalyst that has prompted Daniel Levy into action, with the owner powerless to prevent Alderweireld’s departure due to a release clause in his contract.
Now, it's a two-way battle between the two rivals to secure the youngster's long-term future and here’s how Arsenal fans responded to the devastating news on social media.
