Record-breaking William Saliba Arsenal exit to worsen Edu reputation as pressure mounts on sale

William Saliba is a name that despite Arsenal fans never having seen play a minute of senior competitive football, is well-known amongst the supporters. Signed in 2019 under Unai Emery and Raul Sanllehi’s regime, he was thought of as one of the biggest talents for the centre-back role.

However, Mikel Arteta’s arrival created much uncertainty about Saliba’s situation, and he has been sent on loan twice since the Spaniard’s appointment. His current spell with Ligue 1 side Marseille has gained plaudits from all manner of pundits and Arsenal viewers. He has been one of the best in the French league.

Arsenal fans have been left excited as to the prospect of Saliba’s return and finally seeing him in the red and white at the Emirates next season.

However, the Marseille president Pablo Longoria has given Arsenal fans a scare after a recent interview revealed the clear intentions of the French side to try and keep Saliba beyond his year-long loan deal.

"It’s a three-way question. For the club that owns the player, Arsenal, the player and Marseille," Longoria told Le10Sport when speaking about the possibility of signing Saliba.

"We have to see our possibilities. He is very happy here, we are very satisfied with his performance.

"William is one of the best young defenders I have seen in my career. After all, everything depends on the three parties. It’s a matter of market value. But we have extraordinary relations with Arsenal."

Marseille are facing the possibility of a transfer ban, although when it will come into full effect remains unclear after OM appealed the decision in front of the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

With this in mind, Marseille will be desperate to sign up as much talent as possible before any possible