Arsenal have confirmed the loan move of William Saliba to Marseille. Ever since the Frenchman joined the Gunners, he has only played football while being on loan at other clubs, spending the 19-20 season at St. Etienne and the second half of the 20-21 season at Nice. He has only featured for the U23s and in a pre-season game for Arsenal last season.

William Saliba was meant to be one of the missing pieces in a complex footballing puzzle, but he seems to be an odd purchase that requires a great deal of scrutiny. He arrived (nearly) in a flurry of wild anticipation, billed as a future star, with the potential to become a world-class defender but since his acquisition in 2019, he has fulfilled the role of an unwanted sporting oddity.

There have been questions regarding his attitude and temperament but more recently, his judgement has been questioned after footage came to light on social media that included a fellow Frenchman engaged in a sexual act whilst on international duty. Yes, it was a few years ago but why do it at all. Anyway, it’s not current and it doesn’t necessarily detract from his ability or skill set.

William Saliba has joined Marseille from Arsenal on loan until June 2022. pic.twitter.com/O1C1RuspH3

— Bolarinwa Olajide (@iambolar) July 15, 2021

So, here we are, William Saliba is on another season-long loan, this time to Marseille, with Edu rambling like an excitable child about a ride at the funfair almost to justify yet another mystifying loan. Edu was quoted in The Metro:

“Together with William, we have decided it will be good for his continued development to spend another season on loan,”

He continued

“William joined us as an 18-year-old, and he is still only 20, so he is still developing all the time.”
“William is a player with strong natural ability and next season has the potential to be really beneficial for him at Marseille, a good club.”

Before adding:

“To play another season in Ligue 1 will be very important for his development.”
“We will of course be keeping in close contact with William during the season and wish him all the best in France with Marseille.”

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I’m tired of this smoke and mirrors routine where everyone pretends it’s ok when it’s certainly not. Saliba has been treated quite appallingly in my mind and if I were him, I’d be keen to get the hell out of the Emirates as soon as possible and there’s absolutely no way I would even consider a contract extension.

As for Edu, he is starting to prove that he lacks the credentials to make sound decisions. He is minus the tenacity and ruthlessness to cut big deals and is incapable of showing the necessary ambition to get Arsenal back into the big time. It’s a big season for him and Arteta.

Follow AD for more Arsenal transfer updates.