Newcastle United target William Saliba has quashed speculation by admitting his intention to return to Arsenal and fight for his place in their starting-XI. The 21-year-old was reportedly in the sights of Eddie Howe ahead of a busy summer window at St James’ Park, with at least one centre-back at the top of the club’s wishlist.
French media outlet L’Equipe reported that Newcastle, along with Atletico Madrid, Napoli and Leicester City are keeping an eye on the defender. Saliba played 36 times for Marseille during the 2021/2022 campaign where he won the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Season award, and now he has made clear his intentions to return back to the Emirates and compete for a place in Mikel Arteta’s side.
"I belong to Arsenal. I still have two years left. I will be back with Arsenal.” Saliba told French television show Telefoot. “I have played zero matches, and I still want to show them my true face and have the chance to play for these fans and this great club."
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The centre-back signed with Arsenal in 2019 for £27 million but is yet to make a single appearance for the Gunners. He will return to compete with the likes of Ben White and Gabriel for one of the two centre-back spots.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have a massive summer of incomings and outgoings ahead - particularly at centre-back. Sven Botman has been a long-time target at St James’ Park, while the availability of Manchester City’s Nathan Ake could tempt Eddie Howe - who worked with the Dutch defender at Bournemouth.
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