Good news: Arsenal finally agree deal for world class star

Saliba will return to Saint-Etienne on loan for the upcoming season [Courtesy]

Arsenal have finally agreed a £28m deal for Saint-Etienne defender William Saliba after beating off interest from Tottenham.

Teenage defender Saliba, 18, opted to join Arsenal ahead of Spurs and will undergo a medical on Tuesday.

Saliba will then be loaned back to Saint-Etienne for a season but is believed to have been keen to join Arsenal for his development.

Arsenal have been happy to do the loan back as it means they can pay the transfer fee over a longer period and Saliba is seen as one of the best young defensive prospects in Europe.

Tottenham had made a counteroffer for Saliba while Arsenal were in mid-air flying over to the States for their pre-season tour, but could not scupper the deal.

Prior to Saliba, the Gunners managed one signing with the capture of teenage striker Gabriel Martinelli from Brazilian side Ituano earlier this month.

The 18-year-old opened his account for the club with a fine header during the Gunners 3-0 victory over Colorado Rapids last Tuesday, which began their tour of the US.

More recently, Unai Emery 's side began their International Champions Cup tournament with a 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich where Eddie Nketiah netted the winning goal.

While their focus remains on the pitch, club representatives will be busy carrying out Emery's wishes to strengthen a squad who want to secure Champions League football next season.

Reports have claimed the Gunners have seen two bids for Celtic full-back Kieran Tierney rejected, while their pursuit of Wilfried Zaha is proving too expensive.

Elsewhere, they have been linked with a move for Brazil international Everton Soares who has just helped his country secure the Copa America title.

Arsenal will play their second match of the International Champions Cup when they take on Italian outfit Fiorentina in North Carolina this evening.