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Football London
Football London
Sport
Aaron Catterson-Reid

William Saliba sends 'clear transfer message' to Marseille amid Arsenal exit speculation

Arsenal starlet William Saliba has reportedly told Marseille that he wants to stay at the club next season.

The French defender joined the north Londoners back in the summer of 2019 but is still yet to make a single first-team appearance, enjoying three successful loan spells back in Ligue 1 over the last three seasons. During the 2021/22 campaign, the 21-year-old made 51 appearances for Jorge Sampaoli's side, winning Ligue 1's young player of the year award and becoming a fully-fledged French international in the process.

And that has resulted in speculation that Marseille want to keep him at the club, with RMC Sport claiming that the youngster has sent a ‘clear message’ to Les Olympiens in recent days that he wants to stay at the Stade Velodrome. Saliba is reportedly happy with the Ligue 1 giants and has now apparently told president Pablo Longoria of his desire to stay at Marseille next season.

READ MORE: Arsenal encouraged to prevent pitch invasion in case of Champions League miracle against Everton

The former Saint-Etienne centre-half spoke out about his future during a ceremony in Paris last weekend. Speaking about winning the aforementioned young player of the year award, he said: "It's an honour, a source of pride. I dedicate this trophy to my teammates, my club and the supporters. Did I play my last match with Olympique de Marseille? I don't know. The future will tell us. The most important thing is to confirm this good season by qualifying for the Champions League. Afterwards, we'll see."

Saliba still has two years remaining on his contract at the Emirates Stadium.

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