William Saliba ignored Arsenal’s advice as he pushed for Marseille move

William Saliba ignored Arsenal’s advice as he pushed for Marseille move

With the transfer season producing some surprising results, there could be some more surprises in the bag in the next few days. One of the bids that took an interesting turn is that of Arsenal centre back William Saliba. The 20-year-old chose to have a move to Marseille. Recently the centre back stated that he chose Marseille to add major advancements to his game.

Many would have thought that he would be inducted into the squad but the club higher-ups, Mikel Arteta and the team management thought he should gain more experience in other leagues to polish his skills before being considered for the gunners. Arsenal technical director Edu also stated that playing in the Ligue 1 would make would add to his all round growth.

William Saliba’s loan periods with French clubs, Arsenal’s decision on Saliba and his style of play

The France under-21 international had to endure through a loan spell at Nice with an impressive half-season in the 2020-21 campaign and also at St Etienne. Saliba is one of the brightest prospects of European football and was a target of some top clubs in English football. William Saliba spoke about his decision and was confident that his association with Marseille would help him gain vital technical inputs to enhance his game at the highest level and to compete with the best sides. President of Marseille Pablo Longoria is delighted to have him at the club and praised his all round qualities as a centre back.

Saliba joined Arsenal from St Etienne in 2019 and was bought for 27 million pounds but didn’t get enough chances and was again loaned to St Etienne in 2019. Last season he returned to Arsenal only to play for Arsenal under-23. Manager Arteta has added that maybe the gunners had enough central defenders last season which prompted them to not consider him in the first-team squad.

Saliba is known for his fast-paced game and his ability to keep the opposition in check with his possession-based play. Saliba is known for his powerful tackles and aerial prowess. Playing for Marseille would add more technical authority to his game. It would be a new challenge but more than anything else it would be a learning process for the youngster.

Also Read:William Saliba ignored Arsenal’s advice as he pushed for Marseille move