Arsenal and Liverpool target transfer of gigantic centre-back

Pape Abou Cisse Transfer Would Spell End for William Saliba Hopes

Oh William Saliba, how could anyone forget?

Over there in Marseille playing quite magnificently and earning even raver reviews than he had done in each of his previous two loan spells, the Frenchman’s situation continues to be a thorn in most peoples’ backsides.

There is nothing that can be done of it now other than to enjoy his brilliant performances so far under Jorge Sampaoli.

But if interest is there in signing another central defender – one who would presumably replace Holding in this instance as despite him playing on the left of the centre-backs for Olympiacos that goes against Arteta’s preferences – then is Saliba destined for the exit door?

Apparently not. As Fabrizio Romano has said, Arsenal have been closely monitoring Saliba’s every move at Marseille, are ‘really happy’ with his progress and trust him ‘100%’. He will ‘be back’.

As reassuring as that sounds, it’s all been heard before. The same was said all throughout last summer only for the 20-year-old to be moved on in the space of a few days, and upon his return it’s hard to envisage him usurping either Gabriel or the new £50m signing.

Do supporters want him back? Seeing his performances for Marseille it’s impossible to argue otherwise. However this interest in Cisse materialises (whether it’s believable or not) will have some bearing on Saliba’s future but should he keep up his current form there will doubtlessly be interest in him from clubs across the continent.

He’s playing superbly.