William Saliba has completed a six-month loan move to Ligue 1 side OGC Nice.
Arsenal are keen to see how the youngster continues to develop and see the centre-back as an important asset for the future.
William Saliba Returns to Ligue 1 on Loan
The French Centre-Back Will Return to Arsenal in the Summer, With the Move Not Including an Option to Buy
There has been questions over the youngsters future for some time now but there now appears to be clarity over the youngsters’ situation.
Arsenal still see the 19-year-old as a major part of their plans. However, things just have not worked out as a of yet for him in North London.
After arriving in 2019 for £30 million, he is still yet to make a senior appearance for the Gunners. With the season cut short as a result of the pandemic, as well as injury problems his return to Saint-Etienne last season did not have the desired effect. He started only 11 games last season. This stinted his progression and lead to concerns over his fitness when he returned to Arsenal in the summer.
Despite Arsenal’s defensive struggles, he has appeared out of Mikel Arteta’s plans. There were fears from fans of the Gunners letting go of Saliba, but the Spaniard believes he is someone with a big future at the club.
This is seen in the details of the deal. The loan does not include the option to extend nor make the move permanent. The French side will not pay a loan fee but will pay Saliba’s wages in full.
Nice sit 12th in the league under new boss Adrian Ursea. The French centre-back will hope to find himself consistent game time and remain injury-free and prepare himself to stake a claim to get into Arsenal’s first team when he returns in the summer.
Decision to Join OSG Nice
There was competition across Europe for his services. Yet, he appears to have found a suitable match and will be able to return home to France. Family problems as well as fitness issues made it difficult for the youngster to settle in North London.
The loan move suits the restricted finances for Nice in France and significantly boosts the sides defensive options for the rest of the campaign. Saliba has impressed in the league on several occasions and was a standout defender during his time in Ligue 1.
It appears to please all parties, despite there being no loan fee. Arsenal will be pleased to have some money off the wage bill as they prepare for some incomings in January too.
Statement
Technical director Edu said: “William Saliba is a player with a huge amount of talent and potential. We’re confident he will have a great career with us but we must remember that he is still only 19 years old and has a lot of time ahead of him.
“William experienced a very challenging time last year, with his playing time limited by injury and the early ending of the Ligue 1 season due to the pandemic.
“So together with William, we have decided that spending the rest of the season on loan with Nice is the best way for him to develop. We will be keeping in close contact with William during his time with Nice and look forward to seeing him make good progress until the end of the season.”
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