Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly jumped in to the battle for St Etienne’s William Saliba.
If Arsenal thought they were about to get a deal for St Etienne starlet William Saliba over the line, think again.
It seemed only a matter of time before the teenage defender became The Gunners’ first signing of a hugely important transfer window with L’Equipe claiming that Unai Emery’s side agreed a long-term contract with Saliba just last week.
But, out of absolutely nowhere, North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur have emerged like a bolt from the blue to hihack the deal.
According to L’Equipe, Spurs have been watching Saliba for a number of months. And, after keeping their interest quiet for so long, the Champions League finalists have thrown themselves headfirst into a £25 million transfer battle at the eleventh hour.
The question is; is Saliba worth the hassle, not to mention the substantial transfer fee? He is only 18 after all.
But if Jose Mourinho is to be believed, this latest French wonderkid is a real rising star. And the former Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea boss knows a thing or two about what makes a world-class centre-half.
“I think he has everything needed to become a good player, much like Kurt Zouma, who I signed,” Mourinho told The Metro.
Like Saliba, Zouma made his name at St Etienne before sealing a £12 million move to Mourinho’s Chelsea in 2014 (BBC). And, after a fine loan spell at Everton, he looks set to make a major impact at Stamford Bridge again with his injury issues in the past.
Though Saliba might have the potential to be even better.
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