Arsenal transfer: Southampton reportedly keen on £27m starlet; Gunners currently favouring loaning him out

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Southampton are one of the clubs in the running to take William Saliba from Arsenal during the transfer window, according to a report from Foot Mercato.

Saliba’s future has become a talking point once again this summer. The 20-year-old is still waiting for the chance to make his Gunners debut after a difficult first season.

He spent the second-half of the last campaign out on loan. And, while he was hugely impressive at Nice, it looks as though a similar arrangement could be on the cards this summer.

According to a recent report from the Daily Mail, he is waiting to find out whether he will be loaned out next year. It was suggested that Newcastle are keen on taking the youngster.

Foot Mercato suggests Arsenal are favouring loaning him out. And a host of sides are interested in the £27 million Frenchman.

The report claims that the Saints are amongst his admirers. Clubs such as Bayer Leverkusen, Rennes and Lille are also keen.

Premier League move could be game-changer for Saliba at Arsenal, but Southampton may not be right club in transfer window

As things stand, Southampton boast plenty of depth at centre-back.

Jannik Vestergaard and Jan Bednarek formed a good partnership for much of last season.

Mohammed Salisu meanwhile, showed a lot of promise. And he is a left-footer, which could be significant amid the links with Saliba.

The right-footed Saliba made a large portion of his appearances last season on the left.

So unless one of their current centre-back players leave – Jack Stephens is also at the club – there may not be any guarantees that Saliba goes straight into the side.

Of course, it does appear that the starlet has a frightening amount of potential.

But Arsenal need to send him somewhere where he will play regularly. Perhaps the Saints will therefore, need to provide some assurances if they hope to get a deal done.