Fresh twist in defender saga as new suitors emerge for Arsenal outcast
The William Saliba story has moved in another direction with reports that the Arsenal defender will spend next season on loan with Marseille.
The 20-year-old has been on the Gunners books since 2019 but has yet to kick a ball in anger. He was loaned back to Saint Etienne after signing for the north Londoners. And he was then sent to Nice for the second half of 2019-2020.
The Bondy-born ace impressed with Les Aiglons but seems unable to break into the Arsenal senior side. Mikel Arteta appears unwilling to give him a try and he will be on his way once again next term.
Talks were scheduled between the pair and it seems as though the outcome is another year away from the club. The Athletic are reporting that he will move to Marseille this summer and spend the season on loan with Les Phoceens.
The news must call into question the France Under-20 ace’s long-term future at the Emirates. He arrived to much fanfare and cost £27m but has yet to show the Gunners faithful what he can do.
Other clubs were said to be interested in taking the stopper on loan for 2021-2022. It appeared as though French club Rennes were in line to secure his services.
But a report earlier this week suggested the player pulled out of the proposed deal. Newcastle were said to be keen but it looks as though Saliba will enjoy another temporary spell in Ligue 1.
White signing could end Saliba Arsenal hopes
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Brighton defender Ben White for some time. The 23-year-old enjoyed a superb campaign for the Seagulls and Arteta wants him on board at the Emirates.
White is currently with the England squad awaiting their Euro 2020 quarter-final with Ukraine. And, recently asked about speculation regarding this future, the 23-year-old made light of the rumours.
“It’s nice, it’s happened quite a lot over the last two years, there’s been a lot of noise,” he told talkSPORT. “You don’t know what’s true and what’s not. So there’s no real point talking about it.”
Should White seal a move to Arsenal then it would probably mean the end of the line for Saliba. But he would not be short of suitors.
He has impressed in the French top flight before and looks set for another opportunity in his homeland.
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