William Saliba joins two Arsenal legends in elite club after winning Ligue 1 award

William Saliba has been named Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year for the 2021-22 season.

It caps off a glittering campaign for the 21-year-old, who was shipped out on loan by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta last summer. He's played 52 games for Marseille at the heart of their defence and won his first two senior caps for France.

Saliba scooped the prestigious award by beating off competition from Nice's Khephren Thuram, Lens' Arnaud Kalimuendo, Paris Saint-Germain's Nuno Mendes and Lyon's Castello Lukeba. Previous winners include Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, Patrice Evra, Frank Ribery, Eden Hazard and Kylian Mbappe - who won it three years in-a-row.

Arsenal fans will be hoping Saliba finally represents the club next season. The centre-back hasn't played a single minute for the first team since arriving from Saint-Etienne three years ago for a reported £27million, making just two EFL Trophy outings for the U23s.

During that time, Saliba has completed loan spells at Saint-Etienne, Nice and now Marseille. Yet his most recent stint in France is his most impressive to date. Marseille manager Jorge Sampaoli has already confirmed the club's desire to re-sign him this summer.

"In relation to his situation at the club, I hope that there is a possibility for us to retain a player like him, who knows the team," said Sampaoli. "But I don’t know if it depends on OM, William, or Arsenal, I don’t know the possibilities in this case."

Saliba is expected to be part of Arteta's plans next season and Arsenal have congratulated him on becoming Ligue 1's Young Player of the Year. According to football.london, the Gunners will open contact talks with him shortly. His existing deal expires in June 2024.

Speaking earlier