Arsenal center-back William Saliba is currently on-loan at OM Marseille. This is Saliba’s third loan move since joining the Gunners in 2019. However, the player has always impressed on his loan outings with proving to be crucial for his team. In the same vein, Saliba has performed massively for Marseille as well this season. As a result, there are rumours that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will finally give Saliba a chance at the club next season.
Amidst the rumours, Saliba himself has provided a major update on his future. Marseille are more than satisfied with Saliba, sparking the rumours that they want to sign him permanently. However, the Arsenal top brass reportedly wants their £27 million acquisition to be a part of the club’s project for the next season. But William Saliba has remained calm over his future recently speaking about the same.
Saliba drops a hint over Arsenal future
Saliba has racked up 49 appearances for Marseille this season. The center-back has missed out on only 4 occasions, which outlines his consistency and fitness. Recently Saliba was speaking about his future with his comments suggesting that its away from Arsenal. Saliba said, “My wish is to finish the season well, to leave on a good note in case I don’t come back.”
However, he did admit that Marseille is his club and that a return is on the cards as well. “It would be my pleasure to come back no matter what, it’s not as if I know I’m not going to come back, it’s Marseille, it’s my club,” added the center-back. Saliba’s comments may act as a huge boost to Marseille who are reportedly planning to keep him beyond the loan. However, Arsenal might find the situation tricky after what Saliba has said.
Saliba’s strong outputs for OM Marseille
In his 49 games so far, Saliba has hugely performed outstandingly. Marseille are sat second in the league, in firm contention of Champions League football thanks to Saliba’s leading their backline. Moreover, Saliba’s exploits have helped the French club reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Conference league. Marseille have kept a massive 20 clean-sheets in 49 games in which Saliba has played.
Furthermore, the center-back has started 34 of 34 league games he has taken part in. In those 34 games, Saliba posts 1.5 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 8 recoveries per game. The center-back also has most touches and passes completed for Marseille in the league. Saliba would have certainly impressed Arsenal, who could involve him in the next season adding to squad depth. However, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has expressed his anger after the club sent him on loan without giving him a chance last season.
Henry told Amazon Prime, “They didn’t even let him make a mistake. He left before an error. He didn’t even have the chance to compete for his place. What he is doing here is extraordinary. He was rewarded with a selection for the France team”. Next season could prove to be a game-changer for Saliba as Henry’s demand could be granted by the club. However, Saliba indicating that he would love a return to Marseille on a permanent deal could force Arsenal to alter their plans.
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