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Newcastle are in a battle with French champions Lille to sign out-of-favour Arsenal defender William Saliba, as the 20-year-old has been told to go and play 'another season of regular football'

Newcastle United face competition from French champions Lille for Arsenal defender William Saliba.

The 20-year-old, who was named in France's squad for the Olympics at the weekend, will be allowed out on another season loan as Arsenal look to finalise a £50million plus deal for Brighton defender Ben White.

Saliba was at Nice last season and, while Mikel Arteta said he would take a closer look at the 6ft4in centre back in pre-season, coaching staff believe another season of regular football is considered best for his development.

William Saliba has had loan spells at St Etienne and Nice since joining Arsenal in 2019

Arteta originally told Saliba that he didn't believe he was ready for Arsenal's first team and the planned signing of White would indicate that remains the case.