Thierry Henry is about to ask Arsenal for a huge favour and the Gunners might disappoint the greatest player in their history.
The irony being that in the same week that Ben White is being criticised for turning down international selection, William Saliba might be asked to do the same thing.
Henry is the current manager of France Under 21’s and has been asked to take charge of Les Bleus at this Summer’s Paris Olympics.
Along with Football President Philippe Diallo the hosts are trying to put together as strong a squad as possible.
Criteria for selection is being aged 23 or younger with three senior players allowed.
With the eyes of the World on their country you can understand why France want their 18-man squad to be as star studded as possible. Hence why they are being coached by one of their biggest icons to play the sport.
Their national press believe that Mbappe, Griezmann and Giroud are being touted as the over age talent who will be called up which gives you an idea how serious they are taking the tournament.
Mbappe might not be an option though if he moved to La Liga with Real Madrid confirming they will not be releasing any talent.
Clubs have that right as the Olympics is not recognised as a FIFA event, meaning there are zero laws making it mandatory for players to be released. It simply comes down to will the employer do the employee a favour.
Mbappe has the profile and personality to insist he’s representing his nation, but does Saliba?
The defender withdrew from the Tokyo Games, feeling 4 years ago it was better to have a preseason where he could impress his new manager.
Yet it’s asking to a lot of a 23-year-old to turn his back on a gold medal in your own Country. That’s something you could tell your grandchildren about. Don’t professional athletes dream about moments like this?
The sacrifice would be Arteta being without his centre back for the majority of our overseas tour and depending on the Final, not having him for the opening weekend of the season.
A lot of Gooners will see this purely from a self-interest point of view so I might be in the minority, but for the sake of a couple of fixtures, it feels wrong to deprive someone of a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Arteta preaches values and principles so surely he wouldn’t begrudge one of his players this amazing experience.
Long term it benefits us to have as many players as possible getting the taste of playing under high pressure and winning things?
We have a young dressing room who lack leadership and experience. The only way to get that mentality is to have players involved when the lights are on bright.
Saliba will certainly learn more at the Olympics he does playing a few friendlies in America.
This is the Olympics in Paris!
A chance to stand with Henry and Mbappe with a medal!
An opportunity to become immortal!
To create a legacy that will last forever!
If it’s good enough for Mbappe!
Dan
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Not when we need him.
For one game ?
If Saliba wants to play let him, but he wasn’t too keen at the last Olympics in Tokyo, and managed to wriggle out. But on home soil he’ll probably be more interested.
I support Saliba on any decision he makes
‘We have a young dressing room who lack leadership and experience’ The only way to get that mentality is to have players involved when the lights are on bright.
The writer seems to forget Arsenal dressing room boasts Jorginho, world class Partey, Rice and the Big German, isn’t Saliba playing weekly in the best league in the world, and ŵhat brighter light can there be like European nights under the lights, eg April 9th when the German Champion comes to town.
The lad will be okay, am afraid your argument of lack of experience in the dressing room does not hold water.
Gunsmoke, The Olympics take place in July & August, long after our season’s finished, but there would be an overlap with Arsenal’s US tour.
The question being asked here is would he get better experience in a competitive U23 tournament than in pre season friendlies with his regular team mates.? I know what I think.
Its a delicate balance Jax, Arsenal more so than most teams rely on a proper preseason to hit the road running.
The quick interchanges, the speed in which we progress the ball all takes proper integration, if we have new additions especially in midfield allowing the Frenchman to miss a great deal of preseason is a gamble that could work against us.
It took Havertz a part of preseason and well into the campaign to get his feet properly wet in Arsenal set up.
I know you are looking at the Frenchman personal development, think it comes down to personal experiences nothing more.
Didnt we fail in the run in last season due to lack of leadership
We had Jorginho and Partey then and Partey was so nervous he was dropped
I wouldn’t call Havertz a leader
And what if Saliba decides he doesn’t want to go? Also, have Arsenal expressed an opinion that they don’t want Saliba to go, or is all this just speculation?
It’s only just come up these past couple of days GB.
I suppose Henry’s getting his squad options in early.
Saliba did get out of the Tokyo Olympic U23 squad, but playing in Paris may be a big plus for him this time.
We’ve also got the problems of Euro 24 players taking extended leave following their country’s participation in that tournament.
For me, Saliba is our most important player, and his absence for the final third of last season was the biggest contributor to our collapse.
If he desperately wants to go, we have no choice, because you don’t want an unhappy key player, but hopefully he doesn’t go, and has a nice rest.
We have been discussing White who has chosen not to represent England. – with many pundits and supporters moaning at his stance – it would be a shame for Saliba if he wants a shot at an Olympic gold medal to be denied the opportunity.
With my Arsenal hat on, I’d rather he stayed within the Arsenal camp
I’m not concerned about the pre season US tour, it should be used for fringe players and those whom we are deciding whether to sell, loan, or have in the rotation.
Nelson, ESR, Vieira, Nketiah are fine examples. Also a showing for Patino and Walters and whether they are ready for the first team.
No need to run out Saliba, Gabriel, Saka, Martinelli, Rice, etc… except to get them into game shape and the start of the season.
Last thing we need is an injury to one of our key players because we wanted to have a go at Liverpool or United in the States pre season matchups.
Key players can, and often do, get injured in international tournaments, like The Olympics and Euro 2024.
Is it a smart management move for Arsenal to stand in the way of Saliba aspirations to represent his country at the Olympics?
Just seems an unnecessary effort to p*ss off a young player with a high value in the market place by not meeting his reasonable (to him and Thierry Henri) request
I would say preventing Saliba from representing his country would be a small team mentality. By the start of next season, we should have an able deputy for Saliba and other players too. Moaning about a single player not attending pre-season or missing games for whatever reason shows lack of progress.