William Saliba reveals exactly why he chose Arsenal over Tottenham

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Tony Mogan25 July 2019

William Saliba says Arsenal’s history and affinity with French players convinced him to join the Gunners ahead of north London rivals Tottenham.

Spurs had at one point hoped to hijack Arsenal’s attempts to sign the 18-year-old centre-half, rated as one of the most coveted young defenders in Europe.

Saliba will land in the red half of north London next summer, however, with the youngster set to spend the 2019-20 on loan back at Saint-Etienne.

And having grown up watching many of his countryman play in their colours, Saliba insists joining Unai Emery’s side was an easy decision.

Asked on his decision to reject Tottenham he told the club’s website: “Well, the history, the badge... since I was little, I've been watching Arsenal play in the Champions League and so on, and there are a lot of French players who have come through here.

"So that really helped me to make my mind up.”

Saliba becomes Arsenal’s second signing of the afternoon after confirmation of Dani Ceballos’ arrival on loan from Real Madrid.