According to Foot Mercato (via Inside Futbol), Southampton are making a late push to sign Arsenal’s William Saliba on loan – but it could end in disappointment as he wants to join Marseille, which could prove to be a major obstacle in the Saints’ pursuit of him.
The Lowdown: Southampton prepare for new term
Southampton are preparing for the new season and have recently confirmed the signing of Romain Perraud from French side Brest (southamptonfc.com).
He is unlikely to be their only signing of the summer, and it seems the Saints now have their eyes on another defender.
The Latest: Saints eye Saliba
As per this latest report, Southampton are joined by Newcastle in a late push to sign Saliba on loan for next season.
However, according to The Athletic, the 20-year-old wants to join Marseille, although Arsenal would rather that he stay in the Premier League.
The Verdict: Up-and-coming talent
Signed by Arsenal in 2019, the £16.2m-valued defender (Transfermarkt) returned to Saint-Etienne immediately on loan before joining up with the Gunners in 2020. He is yet to make a senior appearance for the north London outfit, instead making a move to Nice in January of this year, but he has been compared to Raphael Varane by his childhood coach Fabio Frasconi (planetfootball.com) and should have a big future ahead of him.
Would you like to sign Saliba on loan?
Yes
No
Marseille are a big draw in Saliba’s native France, so it makes sense that he would want to go there. However, if Arsenal really want him to stay in England, he could blossom under the guidance of Ralph Hasenhuttl if they send him to Southampton. It remains to be seen whether the youngster can be convinced to choose the English south coast over the French one.
In other news, many Southampton fans have been reacting to this transfer news.
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