(Football news) Mikel Arteta in a statement said “William Saliba has to come back. He has the experience to be competitive with us. We sent him to Marseille for his growth. William wanted to be a regular starter as you know but now we want him back at Arsenal”. If all things go to plan for Arteta then Saliba will be competing with Ben White and Gabriel for a starting role this season. Saliba is currently on loan at Marseille where he is having an excellent season.

Arsenal signed William Saliba in 2019 for £27 million from Saint-Etienne. The defender is yet to make his official debut for Arsenal as he has been sent on loan to 3 different clubs. Despite Arsenal's defensive woes and Saliba's incredible performances, recalling from loan was never considered by Arteta. This season, he has been voted as the best young player in the Ligue 1 which proves that he is definitely ready to play for Arsenal. Saliba does have a contract with Arsenal but he has previously stated that he would want to continue with Marseille who will be playing in the UCL next season unlike Arsenal.

The likelihood is that it will take time for Saliba to break into the team and to get used to the intensity of the Premier League. At the age of 21, Saliba still has time to improve and mature but at the same time he may have a point if he wants to stay at Marseille. Saliba will be a guaranteed starter there and will also get UCL experience. In the end everything will come down to what conversations Arteta has with Saliba. A permanent sale wouldn't at all be surprising because Arteta has sent the Frenchman on loan 3 times without ever giving him a chance.

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