Arsenal 'to make formal offer for William Saliba this week'

Arsenal will reportedly accelerate their chase for William Saliba by making a formal offer for the Saint-Etienne defender before the end of the week.

The Gunners have been weighing up a move for the 18-year-old, who has caught the eye during his short time in the French top flight.

Saliba appeared 16 times in Ligue 1 last season and is said to have been targeted by Unai Emery as the ideal player to strengthen his backline.

Yahoo! Sports claims that negotiations are now expected to step up and a bid will be tabled in the coming days.

Saint-Etienne recently tied Saliba down to a four-year deal and are believed to be holding out for around £26m for his signature, which would eat up the majority of Emery's summer transfer funds.