Arsenal have confirmed the signing of William Saliba from French Ligue 1 side Saint Etienne. The 18-year-old becomes the Gunners third signing of the summer.
Coming soon.
À bientôt.
🇫🇷 #SalibaSigns pic.twitter.com/U2tTwIXp2A
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 25, 2019
Saliba joins Arsenal on a long term contract but will not be making any appearance for the club this season as he will be spending the campaign on loan at Saint Etienne.
A statement on Arsenal’s website read: Highly-rated French defender William Saliba is joining us from Ligue 1 club Saint-Etienne on a long-term contract. The much sought after centre half will spend a season back on loan at Saint-Etienne before joining our squad next summer.
Gunners manager, Unai Emery revealed many teams were interested in the services of the French star, but he’s delighted he chose Arsenal.
“We’re delighted William is joining us. Many teams wanted him but he decided he wanted to come to us and be part of our future. He will stay in France next season for more experience and then we look forward to him joining our group.”
Saliba’s announcement comes after the Gunners announced the loan signing of Spanish international Dani Ceballos from Real Madrid. The 22-year-old was announced as Arsenal second signing of the summer on Thursday and has been assigned the Number 8 jersey vacated by Aaron Ramsey who joined Italian Champions, Juventus this summer.