Another chapter has been written in the increasingly long story of William Saliba. Were the French defender to write a book of his career when he retires, he might get through the first five-plus chapters before detailing a senior appearance for Arsenal. If he ever makes one, and I sincerely hope he does.
So much has happened in this young man’s life up until this point where a new instalment in the saga is being scribed before his 21st birthday. The Arsenal loanee has been granted his first call-up to the French senior national side.
The injured Benjamin Pavard was replaced by Saliba with Didier Deschamps impressed with who many feel has been the best centre-half in Ligue 1 this season. At Marseille, Saliba has stood out for his recovery speed, versatility, distribution and progressive passing.
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He is not yet the finished article, few 20-year-old defenders are, but the concerns continue to grow that Arsenal and Mikel Arteta have missed the boat on their talented investment even with two years remaining on his deal.
Marseille have an interest in making the deal permanent, as has become clear from quotes from the club president Pablo Longoria. This is not surprising considering how impressive Saliba has been for OM.
"It’s a three-way question. For the club that owns the player, Arsenal, the player and Marseille," Longoria told La Provence via 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."
They may want him, but Arsenal need to do everything to shift the narrative of Saliba to prevent Marseille or any other club from stealing him away. The Gunners have arguably one of the best central defensive talents on the planet in their squad from this summer.
His call-up to the French national side sees him match both Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes also earning a place with England and Brazil. European football next season is likely for Arsenal and this means having a depth of quality. Getting into the senior side sends a message to Arteta telling him he is ready for the next step.
football.london understands that Arsenal will review the Frenchman’s situation at the end of the season with preliminary talks over a new deal prepared for. With two years remaining, Arteta has some time but not long to secure Saliba.
The mentality of Saliba is always going to be a concern for Arteta until he sees him back at the club. Having been vocal about his Arsenal struggles whilst with Nice, he has since matured on his third loan spell. Interviews have been focused on Marseille and he has been self-critical of his performances.
Arteta is building a squad with a disciplined and committed attitude. Saliba is demonstrating these qualities in France this season and his call-up is further evidence of these traits being realised by other top coaches.
The summer will focus on the transfers for central midfield and striker in addition to Bukayo Saka’s contract situation. Yet Saliba needs to be up there with the priorities in regard to integration and extension of his deal. Letting him leave would be a huge mistake.
