William Saliba may never play a senior game for Arsenal as the center-back is giving serious thought to staying at Marseille beyond his season-long loan transfer with the Ligue 1 outfit.
That’s according to La Provence, who report the Frenchman feels comfortable under Jorge Sampaoli and would welcome a prolonged stay. Saliba moved to the Stade Velodrome last summer for his third temporary spell away from north London since a £27m move in 2019.
The Gunners agreed that he would return to Saint-Etienne on loan in his first year on their books. Mikel Arteta’s arrival then sparked doubt around the Unai Emery signing’s future, as he returned to France with OGC Nice having failed to feature in the Spaniard’s side at all.
Arteta only named Saliba in two matchday squads over his time in north London. One of his outings came in the Community Shield and EFL Cup. But the 20-year-old is showing what he offers at Marseille with 27 outings in all competitions. He has only missed three games.
Sampaoli’s consistent chances for Saliba to prove his potential gives the Arsenal loanee a positive feeling with Marseille. But two conditions will determine if he returns to southern France next season, irrespective of Arteta and the Gunners’ position.
Saliba, whose Arsenal contract ends in 2024, will only consider another Marseille transfer if they qualify for the Champions League. OM are also facing a possible FIFA-imposed transfer ban, which would ultimately end any chance of the Bondy-born enforcer returning.
Marseille in good position to satisfy Saliba over Arsenal exit
Marseille are in a good position with Arsenal loanee Saliba to qualify for the Champions League this season. Sampaoli’s side are third in Ligue 1, but are only two-points behind second-place Nice and have played once less. They also hold a five-point lead over fourth.
Saliba has played a big role in OM’s position with a hand in 10 clean sheets over 20 games. He has also impressed Gunners icon Martin Keown with his efforts at the Stade Velodrome.
Keown told the Mirror: “This season will be really good for him. We can see what a quality player he is. Hopefully, he gets another chance to prove he can play in that first-team.”
Yet Marseille qualifying for the Champions League and avoiding a transfer ban could mean Saliba leaves Arsenal without playing a senior game in three-years on the Gunners’ books.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
