Report: Marseille ready to make £25m bid for Arsenal starlet William Saliba

By Jordan Harris

Marseille are ready to make a £25m bid for William Saliba with the Arsenal defender open to returning to the Ligue 1 side, according to a report from the Sunday Mirror (26/6; page 77).

Saliba’s future looks set to remain uncertain up until the moment he either leaves or the window shuts. The centre-back is still awaiting the chance to make his first-team debut for the Gunners. And with that, it is not entirely clear how highly Mikel Arteta rates the Frenchman.

Reports have claimed that Arsenal want to agree a new contract with Saliba. But there has also been suggestions that the 21-year-old is open to leaving if he does not receive assurances over game-time.

The speculation looks set to carry on right until his future is resolved once and for all. But Marseille are seemingly hoping that his long-term future lies back at Stade Velodrome.

The Sunday Mirror (26/6; page 77) reports that the Ligue 1 side want to sign Saliba permanently, and are willing to pay £25 million for the youngster. Saliba meanwhile, is open to the move.

Marseille ready to bid £25m for Saliba

Arsenal fans would probably be baffled if the club decided to sell Saliba for £25 million. Obviously, their decision will become more complicated if he makes it clear that he wants to go.

He cost the Gunners £27 million. And he has continued to develop. So you would imagine that many supporters would want more than £25 million before a sale is sanctioned.

Saliba has been labelled ‘extraordinary‘. And Arsenal should be able to offer him plenty of game-time with the Gunners back in the Europa League next year.

Much may hinge on what Saliba wants to do. But if he is happy to stay, Arsenal must not cash in on the defender should Marseille come calling.