Saliba’s future remains in doubt as Arsenal target new centre-back

William Saliba joined Arsenal from Saint-Etienne in 2019 for a fee of £27m during the times of Unai Emery. He has been loaned out twice to the French League and is yet to his competitive debut for the first team.

His only appearances have come in friendly matches or for the under-23 side after Arteta decided he wasn’t part of his squad for the concluded season.

Saliba has had an impressive loan spell down at Nice and we would expect to see him given an opportunity next season however, there is not surety regarding the 20-year-old’s future.

Arsenal have been linked with a number of central defenders the latest name being Brighton’s Ben White who is valued at over £40m. This has left fans puzzled as to why Arsenal would want another centre-back moreover at such a cost.

At the moment Arsenal have four central defenders after David Luiz’s departure including Calum Chambers who has mostly featured at right-back of late. Saliba and Mavropanos will return from once their loan deals expire giving Arsenal six options.

The club shouldn’t be looking at a new centre-back unless they are ready to sell at least two of the current crop. Should Arsenal sign a new centre-back it would be the end of Saliba’s career at Arsenal, the player himself would opt to leave for the sake of his career.

The entire fanbase fell in love with Saliba and may not even see him play a minute in a Carabao cup game.