Marseilles star Dimitri Payet the latest to question Arsenal’s treatment of William Saliba
Saliba’s confusing Arsenal stint
William Saliba, a 27 million pound signing from French outfit Saint-Etienne, is yet to play a minute of senior football for Arsenal, since arriving in 2019.
In a somewhat bizarre transfer story, Saliba has spent the last three seasons on loan in Ligue 1, with three different clubs, all whilst not playing a single minute for Arsenal’s senior side.
🚨 Marseille reach agreement with Arsenal to sign William Saliba on 1yr loan. #OM to pay #AFC loan fee but no option to buy. 20yo still needs to have medical before embarking on 3rd spell away since signing in 2019. No new contract discussed @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/0CDDoyvlc1
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 12, 2021
Following stints with Saint-Etienne and OGC Nice, the defender has since joined Marseille for the 2021-22 season, and has been quick to impress. In their opening seven games, he has helped limit the goals conceded to just 8, which has resulted in OM reaching third place in the Ligue 1 table at the early stages.
Still only 20 years old, he is very much learning his trade, but with the addition of Ben White to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal squad, fans are questioning where the youngster fits into the North London club’s plans after he was sent on loan once more, with many thinking he should have chosen to gain Premier League experience.
However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reiterated that the defender remains “100%… the future of Arsenal”, saying:
“Arsenal are following William Saliba’s performance with Marseille, they are very happy with him. The club told him several weeks ago that they were counting 100% on him for the future of Arsenal.”
Payet the latest to question the decision
Despite the ringing endorsement, question marks still remain.
Former Premier League star Dimitri Payet has become the latest to raise them. In an interview with L’Equipe, he was asked who impressed him the most in the Marseilles squad, and replied:
‘The new ones have all brought something different. After that, I am closer to younger players.
‘So, the one that impresses me the most is “Willie” (Saliba).
‘Considering what he’s been doing since the start of the season, I don’t understand why he hasn’t played more for Arsenal.’
While this may seem frustrating for Arsenal fans to hear, should it persist and Saliba is indeed the future of Arsenal, next season will be greeted with excitement. Will the Frenchman finally be given a stint in north London?
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