After Arsenal announced the arrival of Dani Ceballos, it is time for them to confirm the arrival of another player in the form of French center back William Saliba.
This was confirmed by BBC journalist David Ornstein who took to Twitter and spoke about the deal. He said:
‘After Dani Ceballos arrival, Arsenal will next announce William Saliba. #AFC interest dates back to autumn, formalised Feb/Mar. Late Tottenham approach caused delay + was considered but 18yo stuck to initial choice & signed 5yr deal. Loan back non-negotiable condition.‘
After Dani Ceballos arrival, Arsenal will next announce William Saliba. #AFC interest dates back to autumn, formalised Feb/Mar. Late Tottenham approach caused delay + was considered but 18yo stuck to initial choice & signed 5yr deal. Loan back non-negotiable condition #ASSE #THFC
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 25, 2019
This is good news for the club as they have been locked in negotiations with French club Saint Etienne for a long time. It is also significant that the club have been able to see off late interest from Tottenham and convince Saliba to choose the Emirates.
Though it is a shame that the Gunners will not have him for the upcoming season as the French club have insisted that the defender be sent back to France on a loan deal. But on the flip side, this gives Saliba a chance to further establish himself in the top flight of French football and continue his footballing education.
The French center back is one of the most highly rated defenders in the footballing world and given another season, there definitely would have been more clubs looking into his signature. And the fact that the Gunners have stolen a march on their rivals including Tottenham is something to be happy about.
When Saliba comes to the Emirates for the 2020/21 season, he will come as a more improved and matured player. This will surely benefit Arsenal in the long-term as it allows them the chance to sort out their defense for the foreseeable future.
Saliba will become the third signing made by the Gunners after the arrivals of Gabriel Martinelli and Dani Ceballos. It promises to be an exciting season and the club will be looking to once again get back into the Champions League.
They came very close last season and will be looking to improve upon their performance this time around. And fans will want a player of Saliba’s talent to play in the Champions League when he finally starts playing for the Gunners so the club will try to give him that.
