Posted on October 29, 2021 at 4.30 p.m. by TM
Currently on loan at OM, William Saliba is making a strong impression in Jorge Sampaoli’s central defense. So Pablo Longoria was right in picking him up from Arsenal, but in terms of keeping him longer than expected, that could well be a waste of time. Explanations.
Never having had his chance at Arsenal, William Saliba has made a series of loans in recent seasons, whether at ASSE or else at OGC Nice . And during the last transfer window, the Frenchman was again pushed towards the exit by Mikel Arteta , who did not really count on him, preferring instead to recruit Ben White. Not having no place in London, Saliba then returned to the French championship, settling on the side of OM , which seemed to be his priority during the last summer transfer window. A choice that pays off for everyone today. Indeed, the Jorge Sampaoli player has a regular playing time and is particularly at his advantage on the field, achieving impressive performances as against Kylian Mbappé during the Classic against PSG . What give some ideas to Pablo Longoria . Despite the lack of a purchase option in William Saliba's loan, OM would like to keep him beyond this season, as recently explained Thibaud Vézirian : “If OM wins the Champions League, they will absolutely want to stay. There was no option to buy for reasons of timing, implementation. But negotiations are already underway to buy Saliba. Longoria, I believe, has even spoken about it ”.
Arteta ready to make room for Saliba?
But for the future of William Saliba , it is Arsenal which will have the hand until the end since it does not there is no purchase option. And the Gunners may well make life difficult for Pablo Longoria and OM . Indeed, although the Frenchman has yet to have his chance so far at Emirates Stadium, that could well change in the months to come. According to the latest echoes from England, Arsenal clearly does not intend to let go of Saliba , counting on him for the future, hence the lack of a purchase option in its loan to OM. Mikel Arteta could therefore finally trust the French Espoirs international and this Friday, at a press conference, he took stock of the William Saliba case. “Did I watch Saliba against PSG? As a club, we are always in touch. We went to see him and we are keeping an eye on his progress. Is there a place for Saliba? I think there is a place. It will depend on what happens with other players and it is not a conversation to have now, ”he assured about Saliba and his future at Arsenal , where there could finally be a place for him. Much to the chagrin of OM …