Arsenal are reportedly nearing signing St. Ettiene youngster as personal terms with the player being reached.
Unai Emery after conceding 51 goals in the league will be looking for a massive summer reinforcement but a scanty budget threatens that possibility of an overhaul.
The factor of not playing in the Champions League next season is also a factor that the Gunners will however find it difficult to land star players. And the gift of £45m by Stan Kroenke makes it extremely difficult to acquire quality players in such an inflated transfer market.
However the struggle, the North London based club is reported to have agreed personal terms with French international amidst interest from Manchester City and Manchester United.
St. Etienne prices the defender at £25m and would want the player loaned back a full season before letting go of the defender.
This however may be a blockade as Unai Emery needs massive boost and a longterm plan to replace stalwart captain, Laurent Koscielny.
But agreeing on personal terms is a step closer to completing the transfer as a season approaches.