Tottenham Hotspur are attempting to hijack Arsenal’s move for Saint Etienne starlet William Saliba, according to the Mirror.
Saliba, 18, made 16 Ligue 1 appearances last season at centre-back and has represented France at youth level.
The Mirror claims Arsenal have had a £27 million bid for the teenager turned down and Spurs could now swoop in.
It is believed Tottenham being able to offer Champions League football could see them emerge as favourites to sign Saliba ahead of their north London rivals.
Reliable French journalist Julien Laurens suggests Arsenal will send the young defender back to St Etienne on a season-long loan if they sign him.
With the Gunners aiming to finish in the top four next season, they may still be able to offer Saliba Champions League football – but there are obviously no guarantees.
In a way, though, the same goes for Spurs. If Mauricio Pochettino sends Saliba back to St Etienne on loan, it is impossible to promise he will be playing in the Champions League in the future.
That said, Tottenham look well prepared to remain in the top four, particularly if a deal for Lyon midfielder Tanguy Ndombele goes through as expected.
