Saint-Etienne express disappointment over Arsenal’s William Saliba in official statement

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French outfit Saint-Etienne have expressed their disappointment over not signing William Saliba on loan from Arsenal in an official statement on their website.

There had been some talk yesterday about the player potentially heading back to Ligue 1 to the team Arsenal paid a reported £27 million (BBC Sport) to sign him from last year.

Upon signing him, Arsenal loaned Saliba back to Saint-Etienne for the 2019/20 season in order to continue his development.

Saliba is yet to appear for the Arsenal first-team in a competitive setting and recently it has been suggested he might not be quite ready to play in Arteta’s team.

Now, Saint-Etienne have confirmed that they did try to get Saliba back on loan yesterday, and seemingly blamed Arsenal for the move not happening.

They said (translated by Goal): “Long before the transfer window closed, AS Saint-Etienne had reached an agreement with William Saliba and accepted Arsenal’s offer for a one-season loan.

“Unfortunately, all the administrative conditions could not be met in time, in England, for the completion of the deal.

“The disappointment is great for ASSE and William Saliba, who was particularly determined to return to a club where he has flourished.”

TBR’s View – Saliba can still make domestic move

So it seems Saliba actually wanted a return to Saint-Etienne on loan, making this a bit of a shame.

The French youngster will now have to look at leaving for another English team if Arteta doesn’t think he’s ready ofr the first-team, with the domestic transfer window open until October 16.

Hopefully, the talented Saliba will make the right move, as there are many Arsenal fans out there who can’t wait to see him flourishing for the Gunners first-team.