Marseille ‘remain surprisingly optimistic’ over re-signing William Saliba

Marseille are said to remain optimistic over re-signing William Saliba this summer, it has been claimed. 

Saliba, 21, was loaned out by Arsenal last season to the French side and impressed thoroughly, winning Ligue 1’s prestigious young player of the year award as well as his first senior call up to the France national side. He has since established himself as a key player under Didier Deschamps only months away from the World Cup. 

The centre-back is yet to make his full senior Arsenal debut in a competitive capacity, but it had been expected this season he would break into the first team. 

Arsenal had previously loaned the youngster back to St Etienne, from where they signed him, as well as to Marseille with the club not deeming him ready to cut his teeth in the English top flight. 

Despite having played a prominent role in pre-season for the north London side, according to reports from French publication L’Equipe, via GFFN, Marseille are said to remain cautiously optimistic that the defender will be playing for them again come August.

The outlet claim that Marseille are keeping their finger to the pulse of Saliba’s situation at Arsenal, backing up reports earlier this week that Marseille president Pablo Longoria had flown into London for talks with the young defender’s agent. 

Marseille are believed to remain optimistic they can bring the player back this summer

However, the French publication themselves pour scorn on the idea that it will be an easy deal to complete for Marseille, admitting that Arsenal now view the defender as a key cog in their side moving forward into the new season. 

Marseille are not in the strongest financial position, with ex-boss Jorge Sampaoli sensationally quitting earlier in the window, supposedly over the club’s transfer dealings. 

Frank McCourt, the American owner of the club, is said to be reluctant to sanction anymore transfers having already brought in nine players this summer, including midfielder Matteo Guendouzi who departed Arsenal for the southern French club. 

McCourt has invested significant sums into the club since 2016 and his reluctance to invest more means the club will now likely have to sell if they wish to bring in any new players. 

Arsenal’s desire to hold onto Saliba, particularly in a year where he is likely to play a prominent role for France heading into the Qatar World Cup in November, means a deal will be extremely difficult for Marseille to complete.  

Arsenal want Saliba to play an important role for their side moving into the new campaign