Marseille Ready To Jump At Opportunity To Buy William Saliba

William Saliba has been the subject of wonder for a lot of Arsenal fans in the last two years. The defender was signed by Arsenal in 2019, but has yet to appear for the North London club. Following his signing from Saint Etienne, he was immediately loaned back to the French club as a term of the signing but while Arsenal fans expected him to be brought into the fold under Mikel Arteta but this didn't materialise.

The club blundered over a new loan for Saliba in the summer of 2020 and the defender spent the first half of the season with the U23s, while many thought he was ready for the first team. He eventually got his loan to OGC Nice in the winter window and spent a good half-season with 'Les Aiglons'. Following his return, he was again loaned out. This time to Olympique de Marseille, a huge club in France.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been firm on the young defender thus far, insisting in 2020 he needed a 'transition year'. The Frenchman was frosty when asked about the Spaniard's decisions in 2021, claiming he was 'judged on two and a half matches' but admitted in 2022 he wasn't ready and respected the manager's decision.

Fast forward to the 2022 summer window, Arsenal and Saliba have an important decision to make. Saliba has had a very proficient season with Marseille, finishing in the Champions league spots while playing nearly every minute for the French club. He was also voted Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year and was given his first international caps for France in a fine year for the central defender.

Saliba for France

Understandably, the Ligue 1 giants are eager to sign the 21-year-old permanently but have been rebuffed following interviews by Mikel Arteta and Saliba himself, in recent weeks.

Speaking to RMC Sport, Arteta declared 'He has to come back. He has the experience to be competitive with us. We sent him to Marseille for his growth.'

'William wanted to be a regular starter you know but now we want him back at Arsenal.'

Further to this, William Saliba gave an interview to Telefoot. 'I belong to Arsenal, I still have two years left.'

'I will be back with Arsenal. I have played zero matches and I still want to show them my true face and have the chance to play for these fans and this great club.'

The quotes from both player and manager seemingly end the speculation over Saliba's future, however according to La Provence via Maxifoot, Marseille are yet to give up on signing the defender. The local Marseille newspaper report that Marseille were not surprised by Saliba's words but do not intend to give up on the signing and still consider it a priority for their summer transfer window. If Arsenal open the door to a potential exit, the French club will jump at the opportunity.

Saliba for Marseille

Arsenal fans will have to wait to see the conclusion of this story, with the Frenchman's future surely due to be decided this summer. With just two years left on his contract, a commitment one way or the other will be required and Arsenal fans will be hoping it is one that sees the long awaited debut of the player who was presented with so much promise three years previous.