Leeds should look to loan William Saliba after Arsenal’s January decision

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After Leeds United’s mixed start to the season, it will be very interesting to see whether Marcelo Bielsa has any intention to use the January window to strengthen his squad.

Bielsa has tended to stay fairly quiet in January during his time at Elland Road. And in truth, it would be no surprise to see the Whites do little next month.

But if there is one area Leeds need to strengthen next month, it is at the heart of their defence. They have lost Diego Llorente and Robin Koch to long-term injuries this season. And Gaetano Berardi is yet to play since sealing a new contract with the club.

It is also impossible to ignore how vulnerable Leeds have looked from set-pieces this term.

So perhaps, January would be the right time to make a move for Arsenal’s William Saliba, having been linked with the Gunners youngster before the previous window closed.

The Mail on Sunday (4/10; page 143) claimed that Arsenal had offered the centre-back to Leeds on loan.

Obviously, no move would take place on that occasion. But perhaps there is scope for Leeds to take another look.

Sky Sports reported at the start of the month that the Gunners are open to loan offers for the 19-year-old.

It could be a gamble for Leeds to make a move. Saliba – who earns £40,000-a-week, according to Spotrac – is yet to make his first-team debut for Mikel Arteta’s side.

But he has experience of playing top flight football in France. And he has often looked a class act when playing for the under-23s.

Most encouragingly for Leeds, he stands at 6 foot 4 inches tall. That would certainly make him a welcome addition to the Whites’ ranks.

With Liam Cooper, Koch, Llorente and Berardi at the club right now, and youngsters such as Pascal Struijk, Olly Casey and Charlie Cresswell coming through, Leeds do not necessarily need to break the bank to sign a new defender – particularly in January.

Signing the Arsenal youngster on loan however, could prove a very shrewd piece of business.