William Saliba’s former coach says the Gunners ‘did everything to get him’ ahead of Tottenham and Borussia Monchengladbach but the player only ever wanted to move to Arsenal anyway.

Arsenal completed the signing of William Saliba back in July but the teenager will spend next season on loan with St Etienne for reasons Raul Sanllehi explains here.

Ahead of penning his deal with Arsenal, Spurs were confident of signing him but it seems the player only ever wanted to move to Arsenal. In stepped Unai Emery and the rest is just more history that laughs at Tottenham.

Speaking not long after the deal went through, Saliba’s former coach, Abdelaziz Kaddour, said, “I speak with William two or three times a week.

“He had Tottenham and also Gladbach, but Arsenal did everything to get him.

“He explained to me from the beginning that his choice was Arsenal, especially because it is a club that does not hesitate to give young players a chance.

“Whatever happened, Saint-Etienne wanted to keep him for another season on loan.

“Having so many big clubs being interested in him, it’s quite something. It is also totally logical because he is a top player, even if he still has a lot to learn.”

We’ll be following Saliba’s season on loan closely and will bring you regular reports on site.