Saliba to stay at Arsenal

William Saliba will stay at Arsenal until at least the January transfer window barring a late change, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.

The French defender joined the Gunners after spending last season on loan at Saint-Etienne, the club that he was signed from last summer for £27 million. He is one of Europe’s most highly rated young central defenders and much is expected of him in North London.

Last season was supposed to be a transitional campaign for him ahead of his big move to Arsenal. Unfortunately, injuries and the pandemic didn’t allow him to play enough football. In addition to this, Saliba has faced some personal issues. 

The Gunners were interested in loaning him back to Saint-Etienne for another season so that he could get regular game time under his belt but the move couldn’t be completed ahead of the transfer deadline due to administrative challenges.

It was reported that the club were considering sending the 19 year old out on loan to a Championship club. He was linked with moves to Brentford, Norwich and Watford. It has, however, recently emerged that he is likely to stay in North London for the next few months and is expected to be named in Arsenal’s 25-man Premier League squad.