‘One of the best’: £40k-a-week star explains why he went against Arsenal for loan exit

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William Saliba has revealed that he went against Arsenal to join Marseille on loan, via La Provence, with Mikel Arteta’s side preferring the defender stayed in the Premier League.

The centre-half addressed his decision to join Jorge Sampaoli’s OM for the 2021/22 season at a press-conference on Thursday. He sealed a year-long switch to the Stade Velodrome in July, returning to France after a temporary spell with Nice.

Saliba is yet to make his Arsenal debut having been overlooked by Arteta upon returning to north London in 2020. The Gunners agreed to loan the 20-year-old back to Saint-Etienne in 2019/20 after paying £27m for his services that July.

Ben White’s £50m move to Arsenal further hindered Saliba’s chances of finally establishing a role under Arteta next season. So, Newcastle United sought to sign the centre-back on loan, but his decision to join Marseille disappointed Steve Bruce’s side, per The Athletic.

Saliba has now revealed his decision to join Marseille also went against Arsenal’s wishes, as they wanted him playing in the Premier League. But the chance was too good to refuse.

“I spoke with Pablo [Longoria], the President, [and] I knew that this is where I was going to play this season,” Saliba said. “With a stadium on fire and supporters who expect a lot, for a 20-year-old youngster, like me, [it] could only do me good.

“It was I who chose OM. Arsenal preferred that I go to England, but I knew that here it was the right choice. I pushed and pushed for that. OM are one of the best clubs in France with a lot of fervour in Marseille and everywhere in France.”

Arsenal right to want Saliba in Premier League over Marseille

Arsenal were right to prefer Saliba joined a Premier League side this summer than return to France with Marseille. He proved his potential in Ligue 1 with Saint-Etienne and Nice, but his performances were not enough to impress Arteta.

The Gunners boss needed to see the £40,000-per-week enforcer challenged by English top-flight sides next season. Then, he would have been able to better gauge if Saliba is ready to represent Arsenal in the 2022/23 season.

Newcastle could have offered Arsenal a strong Premier League option for Saliba, as well. Bruce wants a centre-half with pace, which the Frenchman would have provided. The Toon boss needs that in his backline to play his desired tactics, hence their disappointment.