Arsenal 'move ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign Saint-Etienne defender William Saliba' after the Gunners enter 'advanced discussions' to sign the promising teenager Arsenal have become favourites to sign Saint-Etienne starlet William Saliba The 18-year-old enjoyed a stellar campaign which saw French side finish fourth Manchester United have registered a strong interest in the young centre-back By Sam Mcevoy For Mailonline Published: 00:17 BST, 13 June 2019 | Updated: 00:18 BST, 13 June 2019 1 Viewcomments Arsenal have become the favourites to sign Saint-Etienne defender William Saliba. Saliba, who stands at an imposing 6ft 4in, has enjoyed a breakthrough season in Ligue 1, making 19 appearances in all competitions. The 18-year-old also helped Jean-Louis Gasset's side achieve a fourth-place finish in the league and he is now attracting interest from a host of top European clubs. Arsenal have become the favourites to sign Saint-Etienne starlet William Saliba The Gunners and Manchester United have both been tracking the teenager and are open to making a move for him. Reports suggested that United were in pole position to sign Saliba after his agent was spotted in Manchester but it appears Arsenal is his most likely destination, according to Le 10 Sport. The French news outlet have suggested that Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Saliba and could make it happen in the coming weeks. It is understood Saint-Etienne want £25million for the centre-back, with Watford and Southampton also interested in him. Saliba, who stands at an imposing 6ft 4in, has enjoyed a breakthrough season in Ligue 1 Former Arsenal defender Lauren is convinced by Saliba’s potential after watching the teenager this season. ‘Yes, he looks a very good player,’ Lauren told AmericanGambler.com. ‘Strong, tall, can come out of the back with the ball and an international for France. ‘He reads the game very well, which is important for a player at the back, you have to anticipate and he looks very good at just 18, so the future is bright!’ Read more: Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility