Arsenal and Saint-Etienne reached an agreement for William Saliba

Arsenal and Saint-Etienne has agreed a fee of £27m for defender William Saliba.

Although Unal Emery will be happy to play Saliba in the Gunners' senior team, Saint-Etienne chairman Roland Romayer revealed his and Saliba's desire to let him stay in the Ligue 1 on loan.

“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.”

Saliba helped Saint-Etienne finish 4th in Ligue 1, and his performances have attracted cross-town rival Tottenham. However, Arsenal and Saint-Etienne has made an agreement and Saliba's return to Etienne in the 2019-20 season is still in settlement.

Arsenal board only handed Emery £45m to spend and the former PSG coach must be thorough in finding the right player for the right price.