Arsenal and Man City battle for French defender Saliba

Both Arsenal and Man City are hoping to sign French youth defender William Saliba this summer. The St Etienne centre-back is valued at around 35 million euros by Les Verts and is very highly rated.

According to multiple reports from France, both Unai Emery and Pep Guardiola have personally checked in on Saliba's progress in recent months and both clubs are weighing up a move for the 18-year-old.

The 6 foot 4 defender, who has been with Saint-Etienne since 2016, has represented France's youth national teams at every level and is highly regarded in his homeland. Saliba is expected to force his way in to France's full national team in the coming years.

Paris St Germain were amongst the teams scouting Saliba, but decided against making a move for the defender as they have strength in depth in that area.

It is understood that Arsenal are the favourites to secure a deal for the young centre-back, and are ready to send the player back to Ligue 1 on loan for a season to garner more experience at the highest level.