- Jan 27, 2011
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Tottenham ready to hijack William Saliba transfer and blow Arsenal out of the water
Tottenham are ready to hijack Arsenal’s deal for young defender William Saliba, with the Gunners unwilling to pay a hefty fee up front this summer.
Arsenal were close to finalising a deal with Saint Etienne, though have been in talks over a payment structure weighted towards next summer with the French side adamant that the 18-year-old returns on loan for the 2019-20 season following any deal.
A small payment this summer would ensure that Unai Emerykeeps the majority of his £40million transfer kitty to spend ahead of the new season while also landing an exciting prospect in a year’s time.
Tottenham, however, have more money to spend this summer thanks to their run to the Champions League final, as well as not signing any players for the two windows previous to this one.
Spurs are now ready to blow Arsenal out of the water with an upfront offer to prise the highly-rated defender away from their fierce rivals, a day after club captain Laurent Koscielny attempted to force his way out of the club by refusing to travel on the pre-season tour of the United States.
Tottenham have already signed midfielder Tanguay Ndombele and Leeds youngster Jack Clarke this summer, with the latter returning to Elland Road on a season long loan.
With Toby Alderweireld - who can leave north London for £25million before the final two weeks of the window - edging towards an exit and Jan Vertonghen having a contract until next season, Mauricio Pochettino is likely to need defensive reinforcements next summer
Assuming StE didn't agree a deal with Arsenal, then they may not be able to come back into it. The player may have given his word to Arsenal but it's not like a player would need a gun to their head to choose us instead these days!