Mikel Arteta is facing a huge decision this summer over the future of Arsenal prospect William Saliba following his latest 'extraordinary' loan spell.
The £27 million defender has not been given a sniff of an opportunity with the Gunners after signing as a teenager in 2019. Since agreeing a long-term contract in the capital, Saliba has spent three consecutive seasons back in France on loan.
Following stints with former club AS Saint-Etienne and Nice, the 21-year-old has enjoyed a fine season to date with Marseille. Saliba has missed just one Ligue One match under Jorge Sampaoli, and even made his senior international debut for France in March.
Didier Deschamps praised the centre-back for being 'incredibly calm' upon making his first appearance for the world champions. Yet despite this impressive campaign, doubts remain as to whether Saliba will be afforded a chance to continue his progression at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta has stood by the club's decision to loan Saliba out once again, insisting the promising centre-back is reaping the rewards of guaranteed first-team minutes. Speaking after his France call-up, he said: “I think we are really happy with the decision that we made because again the exposure and minutes and responsibility on his growth at his age is something that we could not guarantee him this season. And it makes a lot of sense what is happening with him. We are glad to see the way he is improving.”
However, it is an approach which has been openly criticised by Gunners and France legend Thierry Henry. The former World Cup winner believes a judgement was passed on Saliba at Arsenal without even allowing the young centre-back the chance to impress or make a mistake.
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Henry told Amazon Prime: “They didn’t even let him make a mistake. He left before an error. He didn’t even have the chance to compete for his place. What he is doing here is extraordinary. He was rewarded with a selection for the France team.
“At the moment, he belongs to Arsenal, I don’t know where he will end up. We have seen that it was a little difficult for him to express himself on the subject. What I know is that he could have been in the Arsenal group. I am not Mikel Arteta, but I found it difficult for him. Anyway, he responded well and that’s the most important thing.”
Arsenal remain in pole position for a top-four spot this season, although they face a crunch away clash with rivals Tottenham next week which could prove decisive. When it comes to Saliba, the obvious roadblock facing the defender with the Gunners is the established first-choice pairing of Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White.
Rob Holding scored on a rare start in Arsenal's 2-1 victory at West Ham in their last outing, and the 26-year-old outlined the competition both he and Saliba face in earning starts. He said: "I have been here six years and there have been so many centre-halves in and out the door, so it’s always been competitive.
"You are at Arsenal, it is going to be competitive. I think we are on the same page, in terms of as a team. Against West Ham I played the 90 and stepped in for Ben, I can hopefully help get the three points when I called upon."
Saliba is entering the final two years of his contract, and will almost certainly need assurances over Arteta's plans for his development should he agree to extend this stay. But the France international will not be the only returning loanee looking for guarantees, with fellow centre-backs Pablo Mari and Konstantinos Mavropanos providing further competition.
When asked about his future recently, Saliba gave a coy response which suggests he is contemplating another season away from Arsenal. He told reporters: "My wish is to finish the season well, to leave on a good note in case I don't come back. It would be my pleasure to come back no matter what. It's not as if I know I’m not going to come back, it's Marseille, it's my club."
If Arsenal are hoping to bank a return on their £27m investment, now could be the best time given Saliba's form this season and his international debut. However, it is a call which could backfire on them should the defender continue to kick on for both club and country.
