Spurs and Arsenal set for £27m transfer battle – report

Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are now fully engaged in a transfer battle for the signing of Saint-Etienne starlet William Saliba, according to reports in France.

The 18-year-old centre-back has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks and was said to be closing in on a move to Arsenal last month. The deal was purported to see Saliba re-join Saliba on loan for the 2019/20 season.

However, reports last week suggested Spurs had hijacked Arsenal’s deal by making a better offer to Saint-Etienne than their north London rivals.

And according to French outlet RMC Sport, Arsenal have now matched Tottenham’s bid, which is said to be worth around £27 million – not including bonuses.

RMC claims Spurs met with Saint-Etienne on Saturday in an attempt to complete a deal for Saliba, but Arsenal’s new offer has sparked a transfer battle between two of English football’s oldest enemies.

The report goes on to say that Saint-Etienne could try to wage a bidding war between Tottenham and the Gunners, but ultimately Saliba’s destination should depend on which club he wants to join.

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