On-loan Arsenal defender William Saliba has, on Sunday, provided a fresh insight into his future beyond the coming summer.
Gifted stopper Saliba is of course currently in the midst of his third successive loan spell away from the Emirates.
Despite having been signed in the summer of 2019 amid widespread fanfare, the 21-year-old has thus far yet to convince those in a position of power at his parent club of his readiness to feature on a consistent basis in the Premier League.
In turn, after returning from an altogether impressive spell with OGC Nice over the 2nd half of last season, it was decided during the summer that yet another move back to his home country would benefit Saliba best over the campaign ahead.
The Frenchman linked up with Ligue 1 heavyweights Olympique Marseille, and has since not looked back.
Saliba has been widely lauded for his efforts at the heart of OM’s backline over the course of the term to date, displaying a complete repertoire of ability in the tackle, explosive athleticism and composure in possession.
All told, he has been afforded starts in all but one of the club’s league fixtures, helping Marseille to a spot in 2nd place in the Ligue 1 table as things stand.
LENS, FRANCE – JANUARY 22: William Saliba challenges Seko Fofana during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Lens and Marseille on January 22, 2022 at Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens, France. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
‘I don’t know’
Amid his starring stint in the south of France, however, speculation, of course, has continued to swirl around just what may be next for Saliba.
Despite Mikel Arteta having hinted at a place in his plans for the defender late last year, the impressive partnership being fostered by Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes means that regular game-time could well prove difficult to come by at Arsenal once again in 2022/23.
Speaking in an interview with Le Parisien (as cited by GFFN) this weekend, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of his future was put to Saliba himself once more.
And the youngster’s ensuing comments are unlikely to prove all that comforting to those of an Arsenal persuasion hopeful of seeing Saliba back in the club’s colours next season.
This comes with the French international having admitted that there remains ‘a chance’ that he could stay put at Marseille, ahead of a decision being made in ‘May or June’:
“There’s always a chance. I won’t hide that I’m very happy at Marseille. I’ve developed, I’ve passed a milestone. I’ve gone to the French national team thanks to Marseille, because there’s a lot of visibility.”
“It’s a big club with a lot of pressure, but when you are good then a lot of good things come your way. We’ll see in May or June depending on the negotiations. Right now, I don’t know what my future holds.”
William Saliba (21) says his future is still uncertain and that he could remain in France past this season:
“There’s always a chance. I won’t hide that I’m very happy at Marseille.”https://t.co/kviNiqGEWv
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) April 17, 2022
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