Arsenal defender William Saliba could be on his way to sign a contract extension after a successful loan spell at Marseille. The center-back’s agent has dropped a cheeky hint on Instagram regarding his client’s contract situation.
Saliba was signed by Arsenal in 2019 from Saint-Etienne for a fee of £27 million. However, the Frenchman has since endured on three loan spells in Ligue 1 with Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille.
The 21-year-old heavily impressed on his latest loan spell at Marseille, helping the club finish second in the league. Furthermore, Saliba also won the Ligue 1’s young player of the year award for solid displays across his 35 league games.
Marseille as a result wanted to make his move permanent and were working on the same with the Gunners. Moreover, Saliba himself had admitted that Marseille is ‘my club’ and would love to continue with them.
Saliba to be included in Arsenal squad for next season
Saliba’s extension rumours come amidst Arsenal’s plans to involve him in the first-team next season. Mikel Arteta is reportedly happy with the center-back’s Marseille loan and is ready to give him a chance at Arsenal.
The France international’s agent, Niang Djibril through an Instagram story seems to be suggesting that all things are in place for his client’s extension at Arsenal.
Djibril posted a photo of Arsenal’s office room, the place where the Gunners sign contracts with players. The recent extension of Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus’ signing were all signed in that ‘office room’.
Saliba’s current deal expires in 2024, but could earn a long-term deal following his impressive loans. Though he expressed his wish to stay at Marseille, Saliba still suggested that he has unfinished business at Arsenal.
Back in April, the youngster had said, “I belong to Arsenal. I still have two years left. I will be back with Arsenal. 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.”
Mikel Arteta gives his verdict on Saliba’s loans
While Saliba may have a point, Mikel Arteta had been reluctant in giving him a chance since taking over. The Spaniard had explained earlier in May his stand on refusing to involve Saliba in Arsenal’s plans.
“He wouldn’t have had the necessary playing time with us. He has the experience and the environment necessary to be competitive with us,” said Arteta.
The manager further added, “If he [Saliba] had stayed with us this year, with a match of Premier League a week, with Ben White and Gabriel, he wouldn’t have had half the playing time he had with Marseille, that’s for sure.”
However, Arteta will now have a William Saliba who has 83 Ligue 1 games under his belt from three loan spells. The center-back has joined Arsenal’s preseason and will be gearing up to fight for his place in the starting eleven next season.