The Athletic reckons that Willian Saliba would prefer to remain in England when he leaves Arsenal on loan in the next transfer window.
The Frenchman joined Arsenal in the summer after his season-long loan deal at Saint Etienne last season.
He was expected to become a key member of the club’s first team and to form a central defensive partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes.
While Gabriel has hit the ground running, Saliba is yet to play for the Gunners.
He wasn’t even registered for their Europa League campaign, something that Mikel Arteta regrets.
He is now set to leave the club on loan when the transfer window reopens next month.
One team that has been keen to land him is Saint Etienne. They tried to sign him in the last transfer window but the move fell through and they are expected to try again.
However, the report says he would rather go on loan at an English team as he looks to adapt to football in the country.
Several English teams were linked with a move for him in the last transfer window, but Arsenal didn’t allow him to leave.
No English team was named in the report, but the club can expect some to come forward when the transfer window reopens.
It just shows how arteta has lost it we struggle but he picks the same team at was let down again lacazette had 3 chances took 0 willian nowhere to be seen xhaka well sending off was bound to happen he nearly got sent off last week. Arteta is a puppet he used ozil in nearly every game before the pandemic when was winning but it was the board that TOLD arteta not to pick him for premier league and europe. He another yes man everyone got carried away with his start as we did for emery and look where we are now. I have no doubt arteta will be a great manager but he was too early for arsenal. I know I’m going to be slated but this is my take on it. Saliba should have played by now and chosen for europe another testing place for him to improve just like other young players.
Why not just play him? Every report about him before we actually signed him stated he was just what we needed to shore up our poor defence but will we ever see him in an Arsenal shirt? Give him a chance to prove himself.
If he has to go on loan I would suggest Leeds Utd who have injuries in that department at present.The fact that Nketiah has been there may serve as a precedent.If not Leeds what about Derby or Notts Forest who are both struggling in the Championship.In any event, Saliba needs to play on a regular basis.
We are struggling with so called senior players. Why not give our youngsters more playing time?
They can’t be worsw than our deadbeat pmaperes first team primadonna.
I can’t think of any reason to keep this guy out when we need CB’s!