Report: Bayer Leverkusen want Arsenal starlet William Saliba

Thu 27 May 2021 8:52, UK

German outlet claim that Bayer Leverkusen are keen to sign William Saliba from Arsenal during the transfer window.

The centre-back has spent the second half of 2020/21 in Ligue 1 with Nice, performing well for the club.

He is yet to make his first Arsenal appearance since a arrival from Saint-Etienne in the summer of 2019.

If the Gunners were to sell the French youngster, they’d want their money back, although it’s uncertain whether they do actually want to offload him.

Arsenal could find themselves with a conundrum defensively this summer.

David Luiz is set to leave and that could throw up a window of opportunity for Saliba to earn a chance.

The 20-year-old looks set for a bright future and after 22 appearances for Nice, he’ll want an Arsenal chance.

The Gunners won’t be in European competition during 2021/22. As a result, blooding some of the club’s youngsters could make sense.

One option could be for Arsenal to consider loaning him out again next season.

He is accomplished in Ligue 1 but the chance to taste football in another country would add another string to his bow.

Mikel Arteta has praised Saliba previously and it remains to be seen whether or not he’s convinced him of his quality.

Arsenal star in the making

The Gunners should refrain from offloading Saliba again for next season.

Signings will take place this summer but there are more urgent areas to sort than the defence.

With that in mind, Arteta would be wise to give the player a chance during next season.

Saliba is capable of stepping into the void left by Luiz. Despite his tender years he does boast a lot of first-team football to his name.

If things don’t work out during the first half of the campaign, Arsenal can always take stock in January.

The Gunners should give Saliba the chance to prove himself first, however.