Speculation over the future of William Saliba has been doing the rounds in recent weeks, particularly as his loan spell with Saint-Etienne is due to expire today.
It had been suggested that Arsenal would like to bring him to North London, even if he wasn’t eligible to play for us this season – in a way protecting the asset ahead of the new campaign.
However, with Les Verts set to face PSG in the French Cup final on July 24th, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is happy for the 19 year old to play his final game for his former club.
Speaking at his press conference ahead of tomorrow’s game against Norwich at the Emirates tomorrow, he was asked whether the club would be seeking his return having bought him last summer and loaned him straight back to the Ligue 1 outfit.
“I think he needs to stay there,” said Arteta. “We have an agreement with Saint-Etienne, he’s been there all year, and he’s earned his right to play that final if the manager wants to do that.
“I think we have to give him the opportunity to do that, to enjoy that, and we can have him after that.”
Arteta also revealed he’s been in contact with the centre-half during the season, but while recognising the expectation fans over his potential, is urging patience for a player still in his teenage years.
“Yeah, I spoke with him a few times, and he’s been around [at the training ground] a few times here as well,” said Arteta.
“As a young player he had a really difficult season with injuries, but again that’s part of his process.
“I know how the high the expectations are big around him, but we have to take bear in mind the age that he’s at, and what he’s done in the past.
“I’ll make sure we create the right environment for him so he can keep growing as a player.”
Class is permanent.
Fair enough. He deserves that. And I will support St Etienne in that final.
Makes sense. You wouldn’t want to deprive him of a cup final. It will be good experience for him too
I had a mini panic attack when the notification of this article read Arteta thinks William Saliba should stay at Saint-Etienne. Phew!
Allez les verts
That’s great but any news about the bonus amount we’ll have to pay (around 2.5m) if he plays that match?
Crossed my mind too as I read this article, but there was no mention of it. Perhaps admin will help in this regard?
As I said in the previous article about that bonus amount, surely it will have to be an expired term for the loan extension since that clause wasn’t met in the agreed period. Arsenal should agree to extend the loan but not extend the bonus fee period :/
Saliba especially deserves to play after his big game in the semi-final. Gave away a pen due to Raphinha’s tricky feet, then was involved in the equaliser and his surge up-field in the 93rd minute led to the winner
Highlights: https://twitter.com/ASSEofficiel/status/1235720003804160002
Lol. Three down votes. Weird bunch.
Might tune into that cup final to see how he fares against Neymar and Mbappe. A Friday night cup final, novel idea.
Do you know where it’s being shown? I’d love to watch it and check his progress against arguably the best attack in the world at the moment.
Now watch him go and get injured in it. No criticism of Arteta here – just passing comment on our kind of luck….
Le Coq Sportiff has designed special shorts for him, with pockets big enough to fit Neymar and Mbappe.