There appears to be a perpetual sense of worry surrounding William Saliba for Arsenal supporters. Few can deny the obvious quality that saw the 21-year-old earn his first cap in the France senior team last Friday.
Arsenal continue to monitor the defender and technical director Edu has been to watch Saliba play this season. The defender has been arguably the best centre half in Ligue 1 this campaign. However, with the presence of Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes, a place in the first team is far from guaranteed.
Speaking during the break, Saliba gave little encouragement to supporters that his future would be with Arsenal. He instead spoke glowingly of Marseille and on the focus he has with the team for the end of the season.
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“I’ve never hidden the fact that I feel good here. I don’t know what my future holds, there’s still two months to go. The most important thing is to qualify for the Champions League and go as far as possible in the Conference League,” Saliba told RMC Sport via GFFN.
“I think discussions will take place afterwards, at the end of May to early June, between Arsenal and Marseille – we’ll decide at that point. But staying on here would definitely not be a bad idea, on the contrary, I know the city, my teammates, my manager. But it doesn’t depend on me.”
It is not surprising therefore that apprehension only grew as to whether Saliba would return to Arsenal and fight for his place. However, the Frenchman’s words held similarities to that of Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher.
Having yet to make his senior competitive debut for Chelsea, Gallagher has been sent on loan four times to Charlton, Swansea, West Brom and currently Crystal Palace. He has thrived this season, scoring eight goals and adding three assists to his Premier League tally from 25 games.
football.london understands that Thomas Tuchel is interested in a squad role for the now England international next season. Yet similar to Saliba, Gallagher’s comments remain focused on his loan team at present.
"I haven’t thought about my future at all. I just take every game as it comes, so I’ve not thought too ahead at all,” he told the Evening Standard.
“I think in the stage we’re in this season and where Palace are as a team, we can’t afford to you know look too far into the future. We got a very important end of the season being in the quarter-final of the FA Cup now and needing to get points as well, which is very important."
This should give Arsenal supporters reassurance that Saliba’s positive words surrounding Marseille have not decided his north London future. The focus should be on his current side and continuing his development.
Should he want to convince Mikel Arteta that Arsenal would benefit from his talents, he must finish the season strongly to complete an impressive and consistent campaign. Just two years remain on the player's deal and football.london understands the club will review Saliba’s future with the club in the coming weeks.
