Lee Ryder has revealed that Newcastle United have long-standing interest in Arsenal centre-back William Saliba.
The Mail reported over the weekend that we had submitted a loan enquiry for the French U21 star and were waiting to hear back from Mikel Arteta – the man who sanctioned Joe Willock’s successful spell on Tyneside just a few months ago.
In reaction to that Sunday afternoon story, The Chronicle have now confirmed that Saliba is a player we are looking at – stating that he’s been monitored by the club for 18 months now.
The 6ft 3′ defender arrived at Arsenal during the summer Steve Bruce was appointed Newcastle United boss, signing for the North London side from Saint-Etienne in a deal worth £25m.
Since then he’s been frustrated by his lack of game time and spent the second half of last season on loan at OGC Nice.
That loan spell is believed to have been an impressive one, however The Chronicle claim he is ‘open’ to spending the 2021/22 season out on loan with another Premier League club should Arsenal fail to offer him regular game time.
Saliba actually played at St James’ Park in Steve Bruce’s first unofficial game as NUFC boss, starting for ASSE in their pre-season defeat on Tyneside back in 2019.
One to watch over the coming weeks if we fail to land fellow centre-back target Kristoffer Ajer? It looks that way!
Follow us on Twitter (@NUFCBlogcouk) and on Facebook HERE
