Arsenal make talented Saint-Etienne defender William Saliba a top target

Arsenal have highlighted Saint-Etienne centre-back William Saliba as one of their main transfer targets, according to reports.

The 18-year-old has caught the eye in what has been a breakthrough campaign, making his first 19 appearances for the Ligue 1 side in all competitions.

Unai Emery is keen to strengthen his squad this summer after a Premier League season which saw his side leak 51 goals as they narrowly missed out on a top-four finish.

Arsenal finished fifth in the Premier League, one point behind North London rivals, Tottenham.

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And according to Goal, the Gunners feel that the France Under-20 international will inject both quality and youth into their squad.

Saliba, who stands at 6ft 4in, signed a new four-year deal with Saint-Etienne in April but his current club will find it hard to stand in his way if they receive a bid of around £25million.

The North London side face Chelsea in the Europa League final on May 29 which it’s claimed, if they lose, could see their transfer budget sit at just £45million.