William Saliba could reportedly seek an exit from Arsenal if he is not guaranteed regular game-time this season.
Miguel Delaney of The Independent suggests William Saliba could yet seek a departure from Arsenal if regular playing time is not guaranteed. There are a few clubs seriously interested in the French centre-back, but Mikel Arteta is likely to keep him on board.
The media continues to speculate about William Saliba’s future, despite some favourable quotes from the player while on the United States tour. The young Frenchman has seen questions raised over his long-term future at Arsenal, although for now, he remains firmly in Arteta’s plans for the season.
After a tremendous loan spell with Marseille, the French club are interested in signing him permanently. However, Arsenal insist on keeping him despite rumours of the club considering a sale, while on the other hand, the Ligue 1 club are not in a position to afford his transfer fees.
Some outlets have even suggested Arsenal are already looking at replacements for Saliba, with Edmond Tapsoba linked with a move recently. The Bayer Leverkusen star is believed to be a target, not as a replacement for Saliba but as an alternative to Lisandro Martinez, who is inching closer to joining Manchester United.
? William Saliba: “It feels good to be back and starting pre-season. I’m excited to continue training and playing in the friendly games. It’s important to be here with the fans, as well as my teammates. I hope we’ll enjoy some good training and games which is important.” pic.twitter.com/1UaweyRvBh
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) July 15, 2022
Along with Marseille, Atletico Madrid are also reportedly interested in signing the centre-back. Amidst this, speculation around Saliba’s future has been rife, as uncertainties remain over his actual playing time next season. And if the stories around Arsenal signing another central defender are accurate, there will be plenty of competition for places.
The young Frenchman will likely start the season as Arteta’s third-choice central defender behind Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes. And according to the Independent, Saliba could ask for a permanent transfer away from the club if he is not guaranteed regular game-time.
However, the 21-year-old France international’s recent comments suggest he could be happy to compete with those ahead of him. From all that’s been seen in the Arsenal camp in pre-season, Arteta seems content with Saliba’s progress and is ready to integrate the Frenchman into his plans. Moreover, the new five substitute rule and the Europa League campaign offer plenty of game time for the 21-year-old.
