Arsenal are reportedly interested in Maxence Lacroix of Wolfsburg, who is considered a potential replacement for William Saliba.
According to Media Foot, Arsenal are keeping their options open, as French defender William Saliba could yet depart. The Gunners have set their sights on signing Maxence Lacroix from Bundesliga club Wolfsburg as a potential replacement for his compatriot.
Transfer speculation surrounding William Saliba refuses to go away, as the French media continues to link the 21-year-old with a move away from Arsenal. Despite repeated claims from the centre-back and Mikel Arteta over their stance for next season, the links with Marseille refuse to go away.
Saliba confirmed his intention to stay at Arsenal heading into the 2022/23 season, although he has yet to join up with his teammates for the pre-season campaign. Like other international players, the Frenchman was granted additional time off and is pencilled in to start training with the group on Monday.
After a fantastic season on loan at Marseille, Saliba was linked with a permanent move to the French club. The major stumbling block could be Arsenal’s potential high asking price, which may be out of bounds for the Ligue 1 outfit. Rumours state the club’s inability to sign the 21-year-old led to Jorge Sampaoli’s premature departure.
Despite all fingers pointing towards Saliba playing the upcoming season at Arsenal and possibly even signing a new contract, the French media continues to link Marseille with a move. They claim the Ligue 1 giants remain optimistic about finding a solution for the 21-year-old.
The report suggests if Saliba does depart, Arsenal have set their sights on 22-year-old French defender Maxence Lacroix. The Wolfsburg man has been attracting plenty of interest from Premier League clubs, with West Ham United one of the primary admirers.
Lacroix made 29 appearances in the Bundesliga the last term but could only help Wolfsburg finish 12th in the table. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and a move to the Premier League is considered the next step in his career.
Arsenal’s interest will only materialise if Saliba leaves, which at this point seems unlikely. The Gunners have a solid stable of centre-backs, including the 21-year-old Frenchman. They remain linked with Manchester United target Lisandro Martinez, who is not considered a replacement for Saliba.
As things stand, Arsenal are not the favourites to sign Martinez, and if the Argentine international ends up joining Manchester United, Arteta will unlikely sanction Saliba’s sale. For now, the links should be taken with minimal interest, as the Gunners are unlikely to add further to their central defensive lineup.
Lacroix could yet get his move away from Wolfsburg, as West Ham could make a definitive offer if Issa Diop departs. The Hammers have already signed Nayef Aguerd but may need more depth if a centre-back leave. The Frenchman could be a solid option for the Londoners, given their progressive plans for the seasons ahead.
