RMC reported yesterday that Tottenham have entered a €30 bid for St-Etienne 18-year-old centre-back, William Saliba, even offering to loan him back to the French club next season.
While this may not usually sound like a very dramatic signing, it becomes far more interesting when you take into account the fact that Arsenal were very close to securing his signature.
The Guardian reported that Arsenal had already agreed a five year deal with Saliba himself and very a few minor details away from agreeing terms with St-Etienne.
The Daily Star now claim that Tottenham ‘gazumped’ the Gunners’ initial offer, going above and beyond what St-Etienne were asking for.
This report also goes on to say that Arsenal will now be hindered by their pre-season tour when it comes to further negotiations, as their executive team in charge of this side of things has also gone to the US.
Arsenal’s transfer chiefs would therefore have to fly back to Europe for any face-to-face talks in the next two weeks. Meanwhile, Spurs don’t face their first Asia pre-season tour match until July 21.
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