Arsenal defender William Saliba has hinted about possibly returning to Marseille, as he dreams of playing in the UEFA Champions League.
William Saliba has been a divisive figure within the Arsenal fanbase, with a section of the supporters supporting the defender. Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar have been heavily criticised for their decisions with the young centre-back, who, despite being signed three years ago, is yet to play a competitive game for the Gunners.
The 20-year-old spent the first year of his Arsenal contract at former club St. Etienne, and afterwards, he went back to France to play for OGC Nice in another loan deal. Arteta decided to sign Ben White for £50 million last summer and sent Saliba to Marseille for the 2021/22 season.
Saliba’s performances for Jorge Sampaoli’s side have elevated his status and landed him the Young Player of the Year gong. The 20-year-old has established himself as one of the top players in Ligue 1, helping Marseille finish second.
While Arsenal’s season-ending win over Everton did not help them qualify for the UEFA Champions League, Marseille will play in the premier European competition next season. Saliba has now reiterated his desire to play in the Champions League, hinting at possibly returning to the Ligue 1 club.
Goal quoted his comments, as Saliba suggested he wished to return and play in the Champions League. The Arsenal loanee said, “I want to come back and play in the Champions League. I have never played in it, and I want to experience it here.”
Surely any player would like to make their name in the Champions League, but Saliba may only be afforded Europa League football next season after Arsenal’s fifth-placed finish. The Gunners are putting together a competitive side to enhance their chances in the top flight and for next season’s second-tier European adventure.
While returning to Marseille may be an option, the decision will remain with Arsenal. The young centre-back still has two years left on his deal, and Arteta could keep him at the club next term. Marseille may not be able to afford to sign Saliba permanently, given how much his value has sky rocketed following his performances in Ligue 1. Arsenal will certainly evaluate the defender’s situation and decide his future in the coming months.