Atletico Madrid and Marseille ‘looking’ at signing Arsenal man

Atletico Madrid and Marseille reportedly want Arsenal defender William Saliba.

The Gunners have a big decision to make regarding the centre-back’s future at the Emirates Stadium amid interest from elsewhere.

Saliba, 21, has been on the books of the London club since 2019.

The Independent report that European pair Atletico Madrid and Marseille are ‘looking’ to sign him this summer and the player could ask to leave if he isn’t guaranteed regular game time with Mikel Arteta’s side.

Arsenal situation

Arsenal signed the France international from Saint-Étienne before loaning him back there initially.

He has since struggled to break into the Gunners’ team and has also been shipped out to Nice and Marseille over the past couple of campaigns.

The youngster was a hit on loan with the latter last term, hence why they apparently want to land him permanently now, and he made 52 appearances in all competitions.

Arteta needs to decide whether Saliba is too valuable to sell or whether he can afford to let him go. There is no doubt that they have enough depth in their defensive department to sanction an exit, but at the age of 21 it would be a risk to offload him as he has a lot of potential still.

Other news

In other Arsenal news, Aaron Trusty has spoken for the first time since leaving on loan for Birmingham City.

He has said, as per the Blues’ official club website:

“I know it is going to be a challenge, I know the intensity is going to be tough. I am just really looking forward to it.

“It is a new chapter and a new opportunity.”