William Saliba could reportedly look to leave Arsenal if he is not guaranteed regular game time this season.
Miguel Delaney of The Independent suggests that William Saliba could still look to leave Arsenal if regular game time is not guaranteed. There are several clubs seriously interested in the French centre-back, but Mikel Arteta is likely to keep him on board.
The media continues to speculate about the future of William Saliba, despite some favorable quotes from the player during the United States tour. The young Frenchman has seen questions over his long-term future at Arsenal, although for now he remains firmly in Arteta’s plans for the season.
After a great loan spell with Marseille, the French club are interested in signing him permanently. However, Arsenal are insisting on keeping him despite rumors that the club are considering a sale, while on the other hand the Ligue 1 club are unable to afford his transfer fees.
Some outlets even suggest that Arsenal are already looking for replacements for Saliba, with Edmond Tapsoba linked with a move recently. The Bayer Leverkusen star is believed to be a target, but not as a replacement for Saliba, but as an alternative to Lisandro Martinez, who is edging closer to a move to Manchester United.
🗣 William Saliba: “It feels good to be back and start pre-season training. I am excited to continue training and playing in the friendlies. It’s important to be here with the fans as well as my teammates. I hope we enjoy good training and matches, which is important.” pic.twitter.com/1UaweyRvBh
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) July 15, 2022
Along with Marseille, Atletico Madrid are also interested in signing the centre-back. Against this backdrop, speculation surrounding Saliba’s future has been rife as uncertainty remains over his actual playing time next season. And if the stories surrounding Arsenal signing another centre-back are true, there will be plenty of competition for places.
The young Frenchman is likely to start the season as Arteta’s third centre-back behind Ben White and Gabriel Magallanes. And according to the Independent, Saliba could request 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 may be enjoying competing with those in front of him. From everything seen in Arsenal’s pre-season camp, Arteta appears pleased with Saliba’s progress and is ready to include the Frenchman in his plans. What’s more, the new five-substitute rule and the Europa League campaign offer plenty of playing time for the 21-year-old.
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