Arsenal react to Tottenham hijack with fresh William Saliba offer as transfer race hots up
ARSENAL have matched Tottenham’s offer for Saint Etienne defender William Saliba after Spurs tried to hijack the transfer, according to reports in France.
According to French media outlet RMC Sport, Arsenal have matched the bid Spurs have tabled, which promises Saint Etienne more than the £27m all-in which Emirates chiefs had proposed.
Saint Etienne now want to take some time to discover Saliba’s preference as well as seeing whether they can wrangle more cash, states the report.
Whichever club Saliba decides on, he may not don their shirt until the 2020/21 season.
Saint Etienne president Roland Romeyer was adamant two weeks ago that Saliba will stay at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard next term.
Arsenal transfer news: The Gunners have matched Tottenham's bid for William Saliba - French reports (Image: Getty)
Arsenal transfer news: William Saliba impressed for Saint Etienne last season (Image: Getty)
He will stay at the club this season
Roland Romeyer
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
"He will stay at the club this season," Romeyer said.
“It is an imperative condition should we come to an agreement for his transfer. It's also William's wish."
Arsenal transfer news: Roland Romeyer says William Saliba will play at Saint Etienne next season (Image: Getty)
Arsenal: Saliba may be loaned back to Saint Etienne says fan
Trending
“Arsenal may look into buying him now and then loaning him back to Saint Etienne,” Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth said last week. “You could look at this in a positive way for Arsenal and a negative way as well.
“The negative, of course, is that Arsenal would want him now and want him available for next season. They pinpointed problems in defence and they pinpointed Saliba to help him out.
“But, on the plus side, given Arsenal’s much publicised limited transfer budget, they may be able to strike a deal whereby they pay a small amount now and the rest when he finishes one year back on loan at Saint Etienne.
“That would save Arsenal some cash in this transfer window to spend on other targets… Dare I say it, Wilfried Zaha.”