When William Saliba will have Arsenal medical as Unai Emery beats Tottenham to summer deal

Arsenal are edging closer to signing Saint-Etienne centre-back Saliba, according to RMC Sport, who will become their second signing after young Brazilian striker Gabriel Martinelli.

Saliba will have a medical at Arsenal on Tuesday ahead of his £27million move from Ligue 1.

It’s believed that the Gunners will sign the 18-year-old, and immediately loan him back to Saint-Etienne for a single season.

The deal will also include a number of payment instalments, so the transfer won’t eat too much into the Gunners’ budget for this summer.

“William Saliba’s medical with Arsenal will occur on Tuesday,” tweeted RMC reporter Mohamed Bouhafsi.

“Everything is now finalised between the Gunners & St Etienne.”

His comments came just days after he revealed that the deal had been agreed between the two clubs.

Saliba chose a move to Arsenal ahead of other interested parties, which were believed to include Spurs and Liverpool.

“Arsenal & St Etienne agree €29m [£27m], including bonuses, deal for William Saliba – done deal.

“William Saliba’s desire to join Arsenal over other interested. 5-year contract, loaned back for 2019/20.”

Arsenal made Saliba their key transfer target this summer, and Emery sees the Frenchman as a long-term replacement for Laurent Koscielny.

The 6ft 4ins centre-half made 16 league appearances for Saint-Etienne last season, and has also represented France under-20s at international level.

Emery has been looking for a new central defender after Koscielny revealed his desire to leave the Emirates.

The Arsenal captain refused to travel with the squad for their pre-season tour last week.

The Gunners are willing to let him leave, but only if their valuation of the 33-year-old is met.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are also reportedly close to deals for Brazilian Everton Soares, and Celtic’s Kieran Tierney.

source: express.co.uk