Arsenal FC have finally woken up from their summer slumber this transfer window and actually made a couple of moves. Up until today it’s been a summer that’s been slower than slow at the north London club, as the team is hamstrung by a transfer war chest of just £45 million.
Although that is not chump change, at the same time that won’t even buy you a single top notch midfielder or even an average striker these days. However, Tuesday did bring a couple of minor moves for the Gunners, who haven’t exactly made much news this summer silly season.
The Gunners conceded more than 50 goals last season, so the back line needs to be the top priority this transfer market. With that in mind, 18-year-old French defender William Saliba, who currently plies his trade with St. Etienne, is reportedly set to become the club’s first signing this summer.
However, he will immediately be loaned back to France.
According to the BBC, the two sides have reached agreement on a €30 million (£27m) deal, writing that “Saliba joined Saint-Etienne in 2016 and no announcement on Arsenal’s acquisition of the France Under-20 defender is expected for several days while the transfer is finalised.”
Saliba is very promising, and hence a very wanted man, with the Gunners reportedly beating out the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, AS Roma, Borussia Dortmund and north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur to the punch on this one.
Arsenal are also reportedly interested in signing Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney, and they have appointed former midfielder Edu as the club’s first ever technical director.
Speaking about his appointment, Edu said:
“Arsenal has always had a special place in my heart and I’m thrilled to be returning to this great club in this new role. We have a strong squad and some very talented young players with fantastic people at every level. I’m looking forward to helping make a difference.”
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