Olympique Marseille’s central defense would be inconceivable without the 1.92-metre-tall defensive giant: With the exception of one injury-related absence, William Saliba played the full 90 minutes in all games for the French first division team this season. Under the leadership of coach Jorge Sampaoli, the 21-year-old developed not only into the undisputed regular player, but also into the national team of the “Équipe Tricolore”. Hardly surprising that the Arsenal loan is now aiming for a stay beyond the end of the season instead of a return to London – according to media reports, however, Saliba’s performances have also sparked interest in Spain.
The right-footed player from Bondy was able to increase his market value by a third from 18 million euros to 24 million euros last winter. This makes Saliba the second most valuable professional in the OM squad, behind Boubacar Kamara and ahead of Mattéo Guendouzi (also on loan from Arsenal). At the end of March, the defender made his international debut in the victories against Ivory Coast and South Africa. According to “L’Équipe”, Saliba is very popular with Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone, and the “Rojiblancos” have put the defender on the list of potential summer signings. With the currently injured José María Giménez, Mario Hermoso and Stefan Savic, the Spanish capital club will also have three established players in the defensive center in the coming season, but their average age is 28.3 years – Saliba could bring a breath of fresh air in Simeone’s sense bring Atlético’s defense.
Arsenal’s loan players: Saliba, Mavropanos & Co. with a market value of 130 million euros
William Saliba (Olympique Marseille) – Market value: €24M
France international Saliba: decision on future “in May or June”
At Arsenal, where he has yet to play professionally, Saliba is under contract until 2024. The squad of the “Gunners” is in a state of upheaval, and the competitive situation there could also become a challenge for the Frenchman. Arsenal’s ten loan players, who will theoretically return in the summer, have a cumulative market value of 130 million euros, including Saliba. Coach Mikel Arteta also relies on an established duo in central defense with Brazilian Gabriel and Ben White.
Despite an open future, Saliba admitted in an interview with the newspaper “Le Parisien“Now confident of being able to extend his time in Marseille – although Olympique and Arsenal FC are said to have not included a purchase option in the loan agreement. “There’s always a chance,” said the 21-year-old. “I don’t hide that I’m very happy in Marseille. If I was called up to the national team, it was only thanks to Marseille and because they give me a lot of visibility there.” His next step will be decided “in May or June”.
FC Bayern at 6, Arsenal at 10: The clubs with the highest salaries in 2020/21
20 West Ham | Salaries: €149 million | to the previous year: -3%
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