Arsenal have reportedly found an agreement with William Saliba according to Foot Mercato (via GFFN).

Saint-Etienne's French defender William Saliba (L) vies with Bordeaux's French forward Jimmy Briand during the French L1 football match between FC Girondins de Bordeaux and AS Saint-Etienne at the Matmut Atlantique stadium in Bordeaux, southwestern France on December 5, 2018. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP)
Saint-Etienne’s French defender William Saliba (L) vies with Bordeaux’s French forward Jimmy Briand during the French L1 football match between FC Girondins de Bordeaux and AS Saint-Etienne at the Matmut Atlantique stadium in Bordeaux, southwestern France on December 5, 2018. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP)

According to the report, Arsenal have agreed a provisional five-year deal with the 18-year-old central defender. They now have to find an agreement with St. Etienne who want around €30m for the player who recently signed a new deal tying him down until 2023.

Saliba has been linked with Arsenal for a while now as they look to find both a cheap and effective solution to their defensive problems.

Is an 18-year-old the answer? Probably not for the next few seasons, but it could well be Arsenal are looking ahead and see the chance to bring in a third centreback at a reasonable price who can then be used for cover as he gains experience.

Except his price is not reasonable.

And ASSE want him back on loan for a season meaning a large outlay for a player Arsenal can’t even use.

For the money the French side want, Arsenal will want a player they can use immediately given their limited budget this summer and dire need for new players.

Plus, it always pays to be wary of reports where agreement is claimed between buying club and player before an agreement between clubs.