New Arsenal signing Saliba explains decision

New Arsenal signing William Saliba has explained his decision for leaving St Etienne in favour of a move to the Emirates as opposed to bitter rivals Tottenham. The French defender, considered one of Europe's best up and coming centre-backs, has been tracked by the Gunners for over 18 months and this week the club were finally able to secure a transfer deal.

Saliba will spend next season on loan at St Etienne as part of the terms of the transfer deal agreed. Arsenal will pay up to a total of 25 million euros for the defender.

Saliba explained his reasons for choosing Arsenal instead of Spurs: 

“Well, the history, the badge… since I was little, I’ve been watching Arsenal play in the Champions League and so on, and there are a lot of French players who have come through here.

“So that really helped me to make my mind up. This is a big club, and when you come here, you need to be ready. So I’m going to try and have a great season with the club that developed me in order to be ready for Arsenal.”

Tottenham had attempted to hijack Arsenal's deal but it appears the player favoured a move to the red half of North London.