PSG’s list of alternative defensive targets features William Saliba, although a move for the Arsenal defender would be difficult in the current scenario.
According to Media Foot Marseille, PSG are considering a move for William Saliba if they fail to sign top target Milan Skriniar. The 21-year-old Arsenal defender’s name features on Luis Campos’s potential shortlist of alternatives for the Slovakian centre-back, although a deal would be complicated given the timeline.
William Saliba has endeared himself to the Arsenal fanbase after tremendous performances in pre-season and against Crystal Palace last Friday. The young Frenchman is pencilled in to become the bedrock of the Gunners’ defence this season, alongside Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White.
But even though he has reiterated his desire to stay at Arsenal and Mikel Arteta has confirmed his status at the club this season, the French media continues to link Saliba with a move back to France. After a prolonged period when Marseille desperately tried to sign the 21-year-old, the latest report mentions PSG as a possible suitor for the Arsenal defender.
Arsenal are also reportedly in talks to hand Saliba a new deal, but the PSG links might complicate matters. From an alternative view, the French international could be tempted by a return to his homeland and play for Ligue 1’s biggest club. However, the timeline may prove it challenging for PSG and Arsenal to conduct business.
PSG’s new sporting director Luis Campos remains keen to sign a new centre-back, and Saliba features on his shortlist of alternatives. Milan Skriniar is the primary target for Les Parisiens, but it is proving difficult to sign the Slovakian international from Inter Milan.
The Ligue 1 giants have chased Skriniar since June, and despite the feeling that Inter would be open to a sale, they have not found a breakthrough yet. Campos is growing impatient with the pursuit and could activate moves for alternatives.
RB Leipzig’s Mohamed Simakan, Bayern Munich’s Lucas Hernandez and Arsenal’s Saliba are all part of the contingency plan. PSG were also keen on signing Gabriel Magalhaes a while ago, only for Arsenal to clarify their stance regarding the Brazilian centre-back.
Similarly, Arteta would not even consider listening to PSG’s offer for Saliba, as the Frenchman is set to play a massive role in Arsenal’s season. Moreover, with only limited time left in the summer transfer window, it would be difficult for the Gunners to replace the 21-year-old.
While paying whatever Arsenal demand for Saliba may not be a problem for PSG, the timing of making such a move may not be ideal. For now, the 21-year-old firmly remains in Arteta’s plans, with the Gunners unlikely to entertain any offers, despite the defender having only two years left on his current deal.
