Mikel Arteta could cost Arsenal in their bid to convince William Saliba of his future at the Emirates Stadium after impressing during a loan transfer with Marseille, as per The Sun.
Saliba is in no rush to return to the Premier League outfit after establishing a key presence in southern France. Jorge Sampaoli has entrusted the 20-year-old with starting nine of 10 possible Ligue 1 fixtures so far. He also opened all three of OM’s Europa League ties so far.
Les Phoceens have recorded clean sheets in five of their fixtures with the centre-half on the field so far. Marseille most recently kept Paris Saint-Germain at bay in a 0-0 draw, with the Arsenal loanee the Man of the Match after a goal-saving tackle to thwart Kylian Mbappe.
Saliba is yet to play a single second competitively for Arsenal since his £27m transfer from Saint-Etienne in 2019. Unai Emery signed him two-years ago, but the defender left a poor first impression on Arteta the following the summer. With the Spaniard’s coaching team deeming his attitude to be poor, and leading to no chances before further loan spells.
Marseille do not have an option to purchase Saliba from Arsenal at the end of his latest temporary transfer. The Gunners have also not settled on selling the U21 international. But have been unable to convince the centre-half he has a long-term future at the Emirates.
Saliba does not feel Arteta appreciates his potential and holds a grudge with the Arsenal boss for stopping him playing for Saint-Etienne in the 2020 French Cup final against PSG. The Gunners refused to pay Sainte the extra £2.25m fee they demanded had he featured.
Should Arteta utilise Saliba at Arsenal after Marseille loan transfer?
Arsenal are paying close attention to Saliba’s performances during his loan transfer with Marseille ahead of him returning next summer. The Gunners do not doubt the £40k-a-week enforcer has great potential, but still question his attitude.
Arteta is uncertain whether or not Saliba has the right attitude to fit his philosophy in north London. Benjamin White’s £50m move from Brighton and Hove Albion this summer also means Saliba will return to face greater competition. With Pablo Mari and Rob Holding under contract until 2024 and Gabriel Magalhaes until 2025, as well.
Arteta may want to speak with Saliba to ease any concerns and prove he has a long-term future at Arsenal. The defender is showing with Marseille what he can offer – and earning rave reviews from current and former teammates. But the Gunners may never see those efforts at the Emirates if Saliba does not feel Arteta wants him back in the English capital.
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