Arsenal could be set to face a battle with France over William Saliba as they target bringing the defender to the Olympics later this year.
Thierry Henry manages the France U23 team at the competition, and he will have an abundance of talent at his disposal.
However, he may encounter difficulties in including William Saliba in his squad for the games.
The Olympics coincide with the time of pre-season preparations when clubs will require their best players to prepare for the new season.
The Daily Mail reveals that Saliba is one of the players France is eyeing to represent them at the competition.
However, the report suggests that Arsenal would prefer to retain him, and the Gunners could be compelled to deny their legend access to the centre-back.
Just Arsenal Opinion
Saliba has been one of the finest members of our squad, and it will be difficult for us to allow him to leave for the Olympics.
Starting preparation for the new season with everyone in the group is the best way to train for the campaign ahead.
However, unless we are forced to release him, we need to fight and ensure he stays even though he qualifies as a U23 player.
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I think Saliba wriggled out of this same event at the Tokyo Olympics, so may be able to pull the trick again.
We cannot be forced to release him as it’s not a FIFA competition and it’s all just speculation whether Arsenal want him to go, or indeed if Saliba himself wants to go or not go, or even if he is selected as one of the three over age players.
He is 23 next week!
Yes AdPat which makes him over age…..I think, it being under 23s eligible 😊
There’s three overaged players allowed in the Olympic U23 squads.
If its indeed true that we are not compelled to release him, then plainly we wont.
Simple as that. Nothing else to say since that IS the bottom line and IS what matters to Gooners and our clubs chances of success.
Would he even WANT to go to the OLYMPICS ANYWAY.?
NO ONE HAS SAID SO AND EITHER WAY IT IS OF NO MATTER, unless we ARE compelled to release him .
That is the crux Jon. Does Saliba want tin a gold medal in his own country or not? It should be his own decision in my opinion…