William Saliba schedules meeting with Arsenal to discuss January loan move

Arsenal youngster William Saliba is looking to secure a loan move in January (Picture: Getty)

William Saliba will reportedly hold talks with Arsenal technical director Edu and head coach Mikel Arteta this week to discuss a possible temporary move in the January transfer window, with several clubs keen on the defender.

The 19-year-old joined Arsenal from Saint-Etienne with a reputation as one of the finest young players in France back in July 2019, but returned to the Ligue 1 outfit on loan last season and is still yet to make a competitive appearance for the Gunners.

Fulham and Brentford both registered an interest in Saliba before the summer deadline and Saint-Etienne also looked at wrapping up a loan agreement for the France Under-20 international.

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But negotiations broke down and Saliba was left ‘devastated’ over Arsenal’s handling of the situation given he was denied the chance to secure regular game-time away from the Emirates.

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According to French publication L’Equipe, Saliba’s agent is due to fly into London over the coming days after an appointment was scheduled with Edu and Arteta to talk over the teenager’s immediate future.

A number of Arsenal’s Premier League rivals are keeping close tabs on developments in north London and it’s expected Saliba will be given the green light to go out on loan.

The Frenchman is play a competitive match for the Gunners (Picture: Getty)

A temporary switch to another English team would enable Saliba to acclimatise to the conditions of the league and this is an idea that greatly appeals to Arteta.

Saint-Etienne could return for their former player again after missing out in the summer and Nice and Marseille are also in the race for the young centre-half this winter.

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Speaking at an Arsenal fans’ forum earlier this month, Edu called for patience with ‘bright talent’ Saliba and confirmed talks were needed to determine what was best for the Frenchman.

‘Maybe he needs a little more time,’ Edu said.

‘He’s a bright talent. We need to talk with him and Mikel to plan for next year.’

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