‘I want to come back’ – Arsenal star makes transfer demand after Marseille success
Arsenal defender William Saliba has indicated to the club that he would like to return to Marseille next season.
Saliba spent last season on loan at the French giants and managed to secure qualification for the Champions League following a 4-0 win over Strasbourg on the final day.
The 21-year-old is yet to make his debut for Arsenal following his £27m move in 2019 and has instead been sent on three loans to three separate Ligue 1 clubs.
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His performances, particularly this season, have been praised heavily, meaning many Gunners fans would now like to see him feature in North London.
Arsenal, though, are unlikely to qualify for the Champions League this season unless Norwich pull off a shock result against Tottenham Hotspur. Even then, Mikel Arteta’s side would still have to get past a resurgent Everton.
As a result, Saliba is keen to return to Marseille in order to have the chance to play amongst Europe’s elite next season. He said after the win against Strasbourg: “I want to come back and play the Champions League. I have never played in it and I want to discover it here.”
Matteo Guendouzi, another player on loan from Arsenal at Marseille, has also expressed his desire for Saliba to stay put. “I hope William stays here. He’s having a great season, he deserves everything that has happened to him.
“He’s a great guy outside, he’s had a lot of great games.”
Earlier this month, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry branded Saliba’s performances for Marseille as “extraordinary” and criticised the Gunners for not giving him an opportunity.
“They didn’t even let him make a mistake,” he told Amazon Prime. “He left before an error. He didn’t even have the chance to compete for his place.
“What he is doing here is extraordinary. He was rewarded with a selection for the France team.
“At the moment, he belongs to Arsenal, I don’t know where he will end up. We have seen that it was a little difficult for him to express himself on the subject.
“What I know is that he could have been in the Arsenal group. I am not Mikel Arteta, but I found it difficult for him. Anyway, he responded well and that’s the most important thing.”
