Diego Simeone is reportedly set to capitalise on Mikel Arteta 's transfer error and steal Arsenal star William Saliba from under the Spaniard's nose.
Saliba is still yet to make his senior debut for the Gunners, despite signing for the Premier League giants three years ago. Instead, the defender has been sent out on a series of loan moves, all back to his native France.
His latest move to Ligue 1 has been to Marseille, joining Jorge Sampaoli's side for the duration of the current campaign. Saliba has thrived at the Orange Velodrome, becoming a key part of Sampaoli's starting defence.
He has made 45 appearances in all competitions, starting all but one game in Ligue 1. The Frenchman's performances at the back have helped Les Phocéens to emerge as Paris Saint-Germain's closest challengers.
They look set to secure a place in the Champions League next season, with Marseille keen to bring Saliba back to the club when his loan deal ends. But to do that, they will face competition from Simeone's Atletico Madrid.
According to Fichajes, Simeone is 'immersed' in the search for defensive reinforcements after a disappointing campaign in La Liga. And Saliba has emerged as a player on the reigning Spanish champion's 'radar'.
The news website cites a report from L'Equipe that states Atletico have placed Saliba on their 'agenda' for next year. Though Saliba remains focused on Marseille, it is stated that Atletico are weighing up 'taking action' this summer.
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Fichajes also claim that Simeone wants to bring in Saliba in an attempt to make a 'leap in quality' compared to his side's defensive performances this term. His impressive performances at Marseille have marked him out to Atletico.
Arteta is said to have not taken Saliba 'into account' during his time at Arsenal, with the Gunners ready to sell him this summer. The defender does not have a place in Arteta's plans for next season, with Arsenal hoping to use a sale to fund the reinforcement of other areas of their squad.
Atletico have been alerted to his availability with Simeone wanting a 'top level' signing to add 'forcefulness and reliability' to his defensive options. Saliba himself is eyeing a call-up to the French senior national team, making Atletico an 'interesting option'.
While it is claimed that Arsenal are ready to sanction a sale though, Arteta has hinted that he wants to keep Saliba once he returns from Marseille. The Gunners boss has described him as a "long-term player" despite the fact he has been sent out on a succession of loans.
"I know that sometimes it’s difficult to explain or understand after the money that the club has spent trying to bring him in, to send him on loan," Arteta said earlier this season when defending his decision to send Saliba to Marseille.
"But a lot of things have happened to him he’s a long-term player for us and we need to protect him as well. And giving him three or four games is not enough. He’s very happy to go there now. Hopefully, he can enjoy his football and be ready for us for next season."
