Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Luke Thrower

Why William Saliba's agent is in London amid Arsenal contract talks and potential transfer exit

Arsenal defender William Saliba has been linked with both an exit from the club as well as an extended stay in recent weeks. It comes after an impressive loan at Marseille last season, though his return to the Emirates leaves plenty of questions surrounding his role in the team.

The 21-year-old helped guide the French side to Champions League qualification in the previous campaign, also going on to win the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Season award - previously won by the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni. The centre-back has also managed to earn a call-up to the senior French national team, but with two years remaining on his Arsenal contract and a duo of Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes to dislodge in the backline, his place in the team is still up for grabs.

While talks are said to be underway over a potential extension of his deal, his agent has been in London, but not only for talks with the Gunners. That's because Fabrizio Romano reports that the representative met up with Marseille president Pablo Longoria over dinner.

READ MORE: Every word Edu said on Arsenal's sales policy, Raphinha transfer and Bukayo Saka's contract

The nature of the meeting wasn't specified, however it could suggest the potential of another move from the French club, who haven't hidden their aspirations for Saliba to return. While his role is currently uncertain, Mikel Arteta has already been clear surrounding his thoughts on the youngster heading into the new season.

Discussing the defender after a huge 4-0 victory against London rivals Chelsea in pre-season, the Spaniard said: "I am really pleased to see the way he is playing, the way he has adapted to the team, the maturity that he's shown at 21 years old, carry on doing it. We will keep developing him, he has huge potential, he is already a top player and we have to make him even better."

Then, when asked if he was ready to step up to the challenge ahead, Arteta simply replied: "He looked ready to me today." It sets out clear intentions from the manager to keep hold of a hugely promising defender who could rise from being demoted to playing with the youth side to being a regular for years to come.

Edu accelerates Arsenal sales to 'complete' Mikel Arteta's sixth summer deal before new season

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from the Emirates Stadium

Full Arsenal Premier League fixture list for 2022/23

Arsenal told they will have to wait four weeks before they can complete £42m winger transfer

Arsenal loan exit would give Edu green light to secure Mikel Arteta's next summer signing

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.