William Saliba’s Arsenal comments spell transfer departure

William Saliba’s Arsenal Future Looks Bleak

Nothing is definitive, for sure. There is always a sniff of hope, but in this case, after what he’s said, the window of opportunity has seemingly slammed shut.

What was encouraging from his comments is that Arsenal wanted to loan him out to a Premier League side. If the club felt he could contribute to them in the future then having a full season of English top-flight minutes under his belt would go some way towards convincing them he’s ready for the task.

Newcastle held an interest and there was talk of Southampton also being keen, but to hear that Saliba ‘pushed and pushed’ to move to Marseille may go some way to convincing them that they may finally give up on him. White being handed the No. 4 shirt in his absence, while not uncommon, doesn’t help either.

If he had instigated for a Premier League move then there may have been light at the end of the tunnel for him to prove himself worthy of staying in the division. Actively seeking a return to France for a third season running could prompt Arsenal to think otherwise.

The counter argument is that in going to Ligue 1 he will be content and the additional benefit of Europa League football will also provide a different experience.

But the reason he hasn’t been chosen for Arsenal is because, as far as we’re aware from the outside, that he isn’t considered ready. He had a superb six months in Nice and while the scope is there for an ever better stint over a longer period in the south of France, the unwillingness to play in England could be the final straw.

There is hope that this isn’t the case. He could have another storming season in France and reach Gabriel at Lille levels of performance, in which case Arteta’s hand may be forced. However, there is an air of the unknown about this whole saga that indicates if an offer came in next summer then Arsenal would take it.