‘Several big clubs’ including Atletico ‘enquire’ about £27m Arsenal man

Jason Soutar
Arsenal loanee William Saliba disputes his disallowed goal

Interest in Arsenal centre-half William Saliba is hotting up, with Diego Simeone reportedly keen on bringing him to Atletico Madrid.

The French international has spent the season on loan at Marseille where he has been very impressive.

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He joined Arsenal for £27m from Saint-Etienne in 2019 and is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Premier League club.

Saliba earned his first France cap last month and his parent club have reportedly been very happy with his progress in Ligue 1 this term.

Speaking over the weekend, the 21-year-old admitted that there is “a chance” that he could join Marseille on a permanent basis.

“There is always a chance,” Saliba told Le Parisien. “I do not hide that I am very happy in Marseille.

“I have developed, I have passed a milestone. If I make it into France’s squad it’s thanks to Marseille, because there is a lot of visibility.

“They are a very big club with a lot of pressure, but when you’re good there are a lot of good things that happen to you.

“We will see in May or June depending on the discussions. Today, my future, I don’t know what it is.”

Marseille will not be short of competition if they are to fight for Saliba’s signature. L’Equipe (via GFFN) claim that Spanish giants Atletico Madrid have ‘enquired’ about the young defender.

They say that ‘several big clubs’ are in for the Frenchman. He has also been linked with West Ham, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and AC Milan.

The Hammers are in the semi-final of the Europa League after overcoming Lyon 4-1 on aggregate in the last eight of the competition.

Following their success in France, David Moyes’ side drew 1-1 at home to struggling Burnley in the Premier League on Sunday.

Speaking after the game, Moyes admitted his side should’ve taken all three points at the London Stadium

“It is a game where we missed an opportunity,” the Scot said. “We had an opportunity to challenge the teams above us but we have missed it.”

Arsenal William Saliba