Arsenal make shock William Saliba u-turn for pre-season

What Will Happen to William Saliba at Arsenal?

On the one hand this could infer that what was rumoured, and said by Mikel Arteta before the season concluded, is coming true and Saliba will be given his chance to impress in pre-season.

As mentioned, Gabriel’s absence opens up a huge opportunity for the Frenchman to stake a claim in either centre-back position, having spent nearly the entirety of his spell with Nice in the left centre-back slot in a back four.

Pablo Mari is the only other option while the Brazilian is away – academy prospects will also be given a chance – with Rob Holding and possibly White in the other position. That said, it’s also highly unlikely that White will be linking up with Arsenal in time for their opening pre-season matches against Hibernian and Rangers with England well-placed to reach the final of the European Championships.

His extended break (should he sign, of course) will also be likely to rule him out of the trip to Florida, with the first game of that tour against Inter taking place on July 25.

This is a huge opportunity for the defender to impress his manager, who has been reluctant to hand him his chance thus far.

What this Olympics decision can also mean, however, is to speed up a loan move. It’s still widely reported that a temporary, or permanent, move is on the cards for Saliba and with no involvement for the national team it could move that transfer forward.

Even if it does go ahead to one of the dozens of clubs interested in the Premier League and Europe, he will still be given minutes in pre-season before a final decision is made. He deserves that at the very least.

It’s a surprise call from the club and clearly has come about following the agent’s talks with Edu, which must have been encouraging. Furthermore, Saliba would have only been withdrawn from the France squad with his blessing, which means his focus must be strongly pointed towards making the impression most believe he can make. It was either France’s or his decision, and given he was selected, it appears to have been a personal choice.

A very interesting development and one that means pre-season is now on the cards once again. It will do him the world of good.