Arsenal will be able to purchase William Saliba and keep the majority of their summer transfer budget.
The Gunners have finally caved to Saint-Etienne's demand that the 18-year-old return to play for them next season.
Saliba's potential is considered worthy of the wait, despite Unai Emery not getting immediate help for their ailing defence.
But what he does have is enough money to buy another defender if he chooses.
The Evening Standard says the arrangement will allow Arsenal to pay a small amount for Saliba now, with the rest of the 25m to be paid next summer.
Emery was handed a meagre 45m to spend this summer, with Gabriel Martinelli the club's only signing so far.
Arsenal are still working on a deal for Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney.
