Arsenal have reportedly made the breakthrough in negotiations for Saint-Etienne defender William Saliba.
Despite having a limited transfer budget this summer, the Gunners have been strongly linked with the youngster, who made 16 outings in Ligue 1 last season.
The French outfit are said to be in no rush to part ways with the 18-year-old, although the Daily Mail claim that a deal has now been reached between the two clubs.
The report suggests that the North Londoners will pay £26m, while also allowing the centre-back to spend another 12 months at his current club.
Such an agreement may be due to Arsenal having to wait until 2020 before being able to pay the full fee.
