Earlier this month, the Daily Mail reported that we had registered our interest in William Saliba – but were waiting to hear if Mikel Arteta would sanction a loan move away for the Arsenal talent.
Since then, The Chronicle and The Athletic have confirmed he’s a player we’ve been tracking for some time, with us aware that he’s been struggling for game time since sealing a £27m move to the Emirates almost two years ago now.
This week, new reports from France have shared an update on his future, revealing the clubs looking to sign him on loan and his thoughts on a potential season at St James’ Park.
Le10Sport claim that Ligue 1 quartet Marseille, Lille, Nice and Rennes are all keen on the 6ft 4′ centre-back, but state that he “would be tempted by Newcastle”.
That said, we’d be facing a dilemma should we be offered the chance to sign him on loan, with Premier League rules stating that you can’t sign two players on temporary deal from one club – something that could scupper a potential second loan move for Joe Willock.
It seems we are pursuing a permanent deal for Willock – meaning we could sign him AND Saliba – however we may only pursue a loan move for the latter if we know the free-scoring midfielder will be allowed to leave should the right offer arrive.
Saliba enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Nice last season and seems likely to leave the Gunners this summer – especially if Arteta is successful in his pursuit of Brighton defender Ben White.
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