Report: Arteta has had a change of heart over 'extraordinary' Arsenal man, now wants to use him next season

By Lee Connor

Arsenal and William Saliba haven’t exactly got going as a pairing since the defender signed for big money, but it appears there is some light at the end of the tunnel.

Saliba has been impressing out on loan with Marseille this season. However, with Gabriel and Ben White nailing down the starting slots at The Emirates, there has been talk of Saliba being moved on. Indeed, Atletico Madrid are thought to have enquired about taking the Frenchman next season.

However, according to reports from France this week, Mikel Arteta may have had a change of heart on Saliba and is actually planning on using him next season. That’s according to La Provence, who claim that Saliba is indeed part of Arsenal’s plans for next season as things stand.

Of course, Saliba, who is a full France international, will want regular first-team football. That’s been the crux of his problem all along, and why he’s been sent out on loan. Whether or not he can dislodge one of White or Gabriel, though, remains to be seen.

Arsenal paid around £27m for Saliba and if he isn’t going to play, they’ll be looking for a return on that investment.

TBR’s View: Arsenal Need To Decide What They’re Doing With Saliba

One way or another, Arsenal need to come up with a proper plan for William Saliba and make sure it’s one he’s invested in as well.

As things stand, there just seems to be a back and forth about whether or not Saliba will be sold on or part of the squad. Mikel Arteta needs to sit down with him and outline his vision. That’s a meeting that needs to happen, especially after Saliba accused his manager of treating him differently to other squad members before.

Labelled as an ‘extraordinary’ talent in the past, there’s something there with Saliba. It’s just a case of unlocking it for Arsenal.