Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Arsenal transfer news: Unai Emery reaches ‘agreement’ over first summer signing
ARSENAL have reached an agreement over the signing of William Saliba, it has been claimed.
Saint Etienne: William Saliba shows his defensive skills
The central defender has reportedly come to terms with the Gunners over a contract at the Emirates.
French outlet L’Equipe claim Saliba has agreed a five-year contract with the Premier League side.
Arsenal will now try to come to an understanding with Saint-Etienne over a transfer fee.
The reports claim Unai Emery could loan Saliba back to the French side for the upcoming season.
The 18-year-old impressed in his 19 appearances in all competitions last campaign.
And that has alerted the Gunners to his talents as they look for bargains.
That’s because Emery is reported to only have £40million to spend this summer.
Arsenal finished down in fifth in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final to Chelsea.
That means the Gunners will not be in the Champions League next season and thus have less to spend.
Manchester City and Manchester United were both said to be monitoring the teenager.
But it is Arsenal who have struck an agreement with Saliba.
Gunners legend Robert Pires has pleaded with his former club to give Emery more money to spend this summer.
"I read that Arsenal have a small envelope for transfers, only £40m," Pires said.
"My opinion is that it isn't enough.
Arsenal transfer budget is FRUSTRATING says Seaman
"If you want to build a good team, you need to spend a lot of money, especially in the Premier League.
"I respect Arsenal's position and the owner, but everybody knows that if you want to win the Premier League, you need to spend a lot of money.
"All the top clubs want to sign great players, but if you want a great player it costs a lot of money."
Arsenal will look to strengthen with the likes of Aaron Ramsey leaving for Juventus and Petr Cech retiring.