Report: Arsenal offer William Saliba to Leeds on loan

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Arsenal have offered William Saliba to Leeds United as the Gunners seemingly try and secure a season-long loan spell for the centre-back in the final hours of the window, according to a report from The Mail on Sunday (4/10; page 143).

Saliba is, surprisingly, yet to feature for Mikel Arteta’s side this season. There were high hopes for the 19-year-old, who signed for Arsenal for £27 million in 2019 (fee reported by Sky Sports).

He impressed in pre-season having spent last term back on loan at St Etienne. However, he has only made the bench on a couple of occasions so far.

And it now appears that Arsenal have decided that he would be better off spending another spell out on loan.

According to The Mail on Sunday (4/10; page 143), Arsenal have offered Saliba to Leeds. It is not clear however, whether Marcelo Bielsa is keen to take the Frenchman for the campaign.

TBR View: Bielsa surely unlikely to want Saliba

Saliba looks to be an incredibly bright talent. And it would be no surprise to see him taking a prominent role in Arteta’s plans in the coming years.

However, Bielsa is surely unlikely to want Saliba in his side this summer. The Leeds boss tends to prefer working with a smaller squad.

Robin Koch and Liam Cooper are forming a promising partnership. Meanwhile, Diego Llorente is waiting in the wings following his summer move to Elland Road.

There is also Pascal Struijk in the ranks who was extremely impressive against Liverpool on the opening day.

So a loan move for Saliba may ultimately make little sense for Leeds.