Arsenal loanee William Saliba has told Matteo Guendouzi on Instagram that he has to score a ‘minimum of 15 goals’ this season.
Over the weekend, Guendouzi netted his first goal in Marseille’s colours, as they beat St Etienne 3-1, with Arsenal’s loaned out defender starting the encounter.
It doesn’t help Mikel Arteta’s cause that, whilst Arsenal sit bottom of the Premier League table, two bright stars, who he seemingly hasn’t provided a chance to, are thriving in Ligue 1.
Saliba is still, of course, on Arsenal’s books, whilst Guendouzi left permanently after a falling out with the Spanish coach.
Many Arsenal fans would make the point that both players would walk into their XI now, which just makes matters worse for Arteta.
Nonetheless, when Guendouzi expressed his delight at scoring his first goal in Marseille colours and how ‘proud’ he was, this was the message Saliba sent him in the comments section: “Minimum 15 goals this year.”
Given the ball-carrying talents and aggressive nature to Guendouzi’s style of play, then it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him get to the target that Saliba has set for him.
In a few years time, those in North London will be hoping that selling the 22-year-old doesn’t come back to haunt them because, at this moment in time, they are heading down that road.
But whilst the Gunners have let him go, Saliba is still on their books.
Given the abject defensive performances from Arsenal players this season, it begs the question as to what Saliba has to do in order to get a chance?
How bad must the ball-playing defender be that he isn’t good enough to start ahead of the likes of Rob Holding, Calum Chambers and Pablo Mari?
Either way, by the time Saliba is back from his loan spell, Arteta might not even be in a job.
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