Arsenal’s William Saliba loan move cleared up after false reports

William Saliba Plan at Arsenal is a Slow Burner

Arteta does not feel Saliba is ready to play Premier League football. It’s as simple as that. You don’t go out and spend £50m if you have faith in your player.

Next summer when the centre-back returns he will be classed as a homegrown player, having been on Arsenal’s books and listed in the Premier League squad for three seasons before he turns 21. By that time he will have two years left on his deal and the biggest decision of all will be taken.

It could play out that Rob Holding is then moved on – his value being protected by the new deal signed in January – with Saliba the replacement in the squad.

Not the way this should have played out, yet it makes sense on paper given the developments.

The issue with that is, however, how Saliba feels.

After a third season away from Arsenal and a year of White cementing his place in the first team, he will be well within his rights to feel disheartened. Sent around France on various work placements to then come back as a homegrown player to Arsenal’s benefit, is he going to want to sign an extension?

The discussions behind the scenes and the amount of trust and faith in him shown from Arteta and Edu will dictate what his next move is. With two years to go it’s either sell or sign and Arsenal will rely entirely on Saliba’s wishes as to what they can do next. Continuing on the trajectory he is, a full season of football and European outings will enhance interest in his signature, one Arsenal can’t let go for any less than what they paid.

In the mean time, he will take part in pre-season at Arsenal, feel more like a member of the club and then go out and play 35+ games in 2021/22. That’s the positive angle.