According to Darren Lewis of the Mirror, Tottenham are interested in William Saliba and could battle Arsenal for his signature. The 18-year-old rose through the youth ranks to the AS Saint-Etienne first-team in 2018 and has gone on to make 19 appearances in all competitions.
Mauricio Pochettino could lose Toby Alderweireld this summer with the 30-year-old having a £25m release clause that can be triggered until two weeks before the transfer window closes. The Belgian international doesn’t look likely to sign a new deal and will be out of contract in 2020 if he isn’t sold earlier.
Spurs have been linked with Sampdoria’s Joachim Andersen as a potential replacement for Alderweireld, but Saliba may also be considered. The French u20 international has a £30m asking price and five years remaining on his deal at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.
Last season, the centre-back made 16 Ligue 1 appearances in 2018/19, winning 28 aerial duels (60%), averaging 40 passes-per-game with 86% accuracy, blocking 12 shots/crosses/passes, making 43 clearances, giving away only nine fouls and averaging a tackle (32) or interception (28) every 21 minutes.
Arsenal’s interest in the defender could prove a stumbling block in Tottenham’s alleged pursuit, so time will tell which side comes out on top.