Saliba far from certain to sign new Arsenal deal despite planned talks

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Loaned-out Arsenal defender William Saliba made his senior France debut during the current international break.

The centre-back made his bow on Friday, coming off the bench to replace Manchester United’s Raphael Varane during the last-gasp 2-1 win over Ivory Coast.

Last night, he started and played the full 90 minutes in another friendly win, this time over South Africa in a thumping 5-0 win.

Saliba earned a rave review from French journalist Denis Balbir, who expects him to have a long and successful career representing his country.

As per, Sport, he said: “William Saliba was called up at the last minute to compensate for Benjamin Pavard’s Covid case.

“We know the record of the Marseillais, who has had a very good season with Marseille even if he has recently experienced some difficulties by being played on one side by Jorge Sampaoli.

“For me, this is not really a surprise. The former St Etienne man has the future ahead of him. Like his former colleague Wesley Fofana, they are both expected to meet regularly in the France group in the future.

“The player on loan from Arsenal has taken a bit of a lead but I think the other former Green, who has just returned from injury at Leicester, will join him soon enough to the delight of ASSE.”

Goal report that contract talks are due to take place between Saliba and Arsenal in the weeks ahead.

But it is far from certain that Saliba would even sign a new deal even if it was offered to him in the light of his international recognition.

Martin Keown spoke to the Mirror last about Saliba and his situation and said: “This season will be really good for him, we can see what a quality player he is. Hopefully, he gets another chance to prove he can play in that first team.

“It seems like Gabriel and White are the main two, but Saliba is doing exceptionally well. It will be healthy if he comes back and creates competition and gives tough decisions for the manager. The top clubs have that, look at Man City with Laporte, Diaz and Stones.”

It remains to be seen whether Saliba wants to go back to north London to battle for a place in a side he has never played for, with his status as a senior international perhaps boosting his chances of a move away if that’s the path he chose.