According to Foot Mercato, Southampton and Newcastle are interested in signing Arsenal centre-back William Saliba.
What’s the story?
Well, it was Unai Emery who signed the Frenchman for Arsenal, paying £27 million to Saint-Etienne for the wonderkid’s services.
However, nearly two years on from his arrival, Saliba is yet to make a competitive first-team appearance for the Gunners.
The 20-year-old has spent time on loan at Saint-Etienne, and finished the 2020/21 campaign on loan at OGC Nice.
Now, Foot Mercato believe Mikel Arteta is still yet to be convinced, and is keen to find another loan move for the defender.
As a result, Southampton and Newcastle are sniffing around.
Interestingly, Ralph Hasenhuttl was keen to sign Saliba back in 2019 before he joined Arsenal, battling Manchester United for his signature.
Who does William Saliba play like?
Saliba didn’t cost £27 million as an 18-year-old for no reason.
His former coach Jean-Luc Vannuchi made a very bold statement when asked about the centre-back.
Interestingly, Vannuchi compared the Arsenal prodigy to both ex-Saints stalwart Virgil van Dijk and Real Madrid star Raphaël Varane.
He said: “A mix of the two styles. With Varane because of his speed and power, and with Van Dijk it is the interceptions, the positioning on the pitch.”
As well as Newcastle, the Saints face competition from OGC Nice, Stade Rennais, Olympique de Marseille and LOSC Lille, as Foot Mercato claim.
Bayer Leverkusen are also interested.
If Southampton can land Saliba on loan, it would be a fantastic signing.
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