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

William Saliba’s upcoming loan departure has caused quite the stir as supporters light their torches in response to Mikel Arteta’s decision to send the defender out on his third move away from the club since joining in 2019.

It wasn’t expected to transpire like this with Saliba heading back to north London this summer with a place in the squad freed up for him following David Luiz’s departure.

His qualities on the ball were precisely what the Frenchman could bring the the table with the added benefit of athleticism and pace. It felt like a natural progression.

However, Ben White’s imminent arrival changed the landscape at the Emirates, prompting talk of another loan move away for the 20-year-old. Three years, no competitive appearances.

Arsenal’s William Saliba loan move cleared up after false reports of Marseille loan deal including an option to buy at the end of the season

After a decision was made for the £27m signing to withdraw from France’s Olympics squad to get a full pre-season under his belt it soon followed that Marseille would be bringing him to Stade Vélodrome for the coming campaign. Matteo Guendouzi is joining him.

But L’Equipe decided to continue with the seemingly anti-Arsenal framework that has arisen from the whole Saliba saga. Naturally, the French press have been key to paint Arsenal in a bad light and they stated that an option to buy was included into the deal, for a whopping €10m.

It turned out to be total nonsense. Did they get their information mixed up with Guendouzi? Possibly, and maybe they should get the benefit of the doubt, but it sparked even greater anger from within the fanbase.

Chris Wheatley, among others, have sine poured ice cold water over those claims and insisted it is a simple loan with no options or obligations attached. Even Arsenal, who have made numerous recruitment mistakes over the past few years, aren’t as foolish to sign off on that.

None of this transfer is ideal and Saliba playing for half of France before Arsenal encapsulates what a mess of a move this has been, but as it is, if Arteta is not going to play him this season then he has to go out on loan.

Five to ten games here and there will do nothing for his development. 30+ matches in Ligue 1 and Europa League outings most definitely will.

Is there a plan in place?

Continued…

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.