Sizeable transfer offer could still see William Saliba’s future change course at Arsenal this summer

A “really crazy offer” could still steer William Saliba away from Arsenal this summer, according to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano.

Mikel Arteta is planning for Saliba to play a part in his first-team squad this season after spending the last few years out on loan. The France defender has yet to kick a ball competitively for Arsenal despite signing for the club in 2019.

The then 18-year-old was immediately loaned back to Saint-Etienne and he has since spent spells with Nice and Marseille. And the latter are understood to be keen to make the deal a permanent arrangement.

OM boss Jorge Sampaoli was such a fan of the defender that he quit the club earlier this month in a dispute over their transfer policy. CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs reported that Sampaoli thought the French club should have done more to keep the 21-year-old.

He was voted the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year after helping OM into the Champions League.

Arteta is now looking to offload players, but he believes the time is right for Saliba to make his mark at The Emirates.

Saliba came off the bench in the win over Orlando, replacing Rob Holding after 59 minutes. And the defender partnered Gabriel Magalhaes in the 4-0 win over Chelsea.

“I am really pleased to see the way he is playing. The way he has adapted to the team, the maturity that he’s shown at 21 years old, carry on doing it. We will keep developing him, he has huge potential, he is already a top player and we have to make him even better,” said Arteta after the victory.

But Romano says that a big offer could still see Saliba depart.

Saliba used to playing every week

“Arsenal have never had any doubts. William Saliba is part of the project and there is no negotiation with Marseille, as things stand. Sure, Marseille would love the idea of keeping William, but Arsenal consider him a key player for this season,” Romano told CaughtOffside.

“The parties are talking about his contract. But there is not yet a completed or imminent agreement, it is an ongoing discussion.

“Of course, Edu and Arteta believe in Saliba for the Arsenal project. And for his departure a really crazy offer would be needed.”

Saliba has impressed in Ligue 1 and 2022/23 will be a huge season for him. If he can impress Arteta in the first few months of the season then he could well get a bumper new contract.

However, there is plenty of competition at centre-back with Gabriel, Holding and Ben White all hoping for starts.

If Saliba does find himself on the fringes of the first team, he may well decide to look for another loan move. The youngster, who has now been capped by France, is used to playing matches. And will not fancy watching from the sidelines in north London.

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