Arsenal are close to signing Saint Etienne defender William Saliba in a deal that could be worth up to €30m, according to reports.
Journalists in France claim that talks between both the Ligue 1 club and Arsenal are continuing, with an agreement getting nearer.
Reports linking Saliba with a move to the Emirates Stadium have been gathering pace in recent weeks, although it was also claimed that Spurs were showing an interest in the 18-year-old, who looks set for a move away from his first club this summer.
However, Saint Etienne are sticking to their guns on one element of any deal that may see Saliba sold during the window - that he is back at the club on a loan deal for the upcoming season.
This demand may be a sticking point for Arsenal who are desperate to bring in defenders in order to patch up what was turning into a leaky back line at the business end of last season.
With a reduced budget due to failure to qualify for the Champions League means that the Gunners are going to have to be frugal in the transfer market, with Unai Emery given a reported budget of just £45m this summer. An outlay of nearly €30m for a player who won't play at the Emirates next season would be a big commitment under the current circumstances.
But, if Arsenal want to get any deal over the line, it seems that the demand is one that they will have to bow to, with Saint Etienne president Roland Romeyer insisting that a loan return is a wish of the player as well as the club.
"He will stay at the club this season," the president said . "it is an imperative condition should we come to an agreement for his transfer.
"It’s also William's wish."
Saliba made his Ligue 1 debut for saint Etienne last season, and went on to play a further 15 times in the league, establishing himself as one of the French club's first choice centre backs.
