KEY POINTS

  • Arsenal is looking to deal away William Saliba permanently
  • Marseille is interested to tap Saliba via loan
  • The sale of Matteo Guendouzi and Saliba is seen as means for the Gunners to raise funds

Arsenal is expected to undergo a major overhaul and, there are several names heading out.

One of them is Matteo Guendouzi, someone who failed to co-exist with boss Mikel Arteta. But it appears there may be another player leaving in William Saliba.

It seems the French player is not seen as an essential part of Arteta’s plans for the Gunners.

Saliba has been loaned out since 2019 but it looks like Arsenal has something planned as far as changing their defensive matrix.

Saliba is reportedly open to the idea of moving out for good but prefers to stick with OGC Nice.

A permanent move could be better compared to a loan move to Marseille–a team where Guendouzi is reportedly headed.

But in a report from L’Equipe, Arsenal prefers to sell than to loan out their assets.

Marseille president Longoria is interested in a loan, but all that could be shunned if a permanent deal is offered to the Gunners.

Ironically, Nice is also interested in getting Guendouzi in a similar scenario with how they intend to acquire the services of Saliba.

The alleged plan for Saliba has caught most by surprise. But Arsenal is determined to shore up its defensive line.

This revelation comes not long after the Gunners saw their bid for Ben White turned down by Brighton.

As far as Saliba is concerned, his preference to stay with OGC Nice is understandable. He had a good run with the Les Aigions last season.

A loan spell with Marseille could be tempting, especially with the prospect of possibly playing in the Europa League.

Saint-Etienne's French forward William Saliba (L) vies with Dijon's French-Togolese defender Arnold Bouka Moutou (R)
Saint-Etienne's French forward William Saliba (L) vies with Dijon's French-Togolese defender Arnold Bouka Moutou (R) Getty Images | JEAN-PHILIPPE KSIAZEK/AFP

However, that possibility may be irrelevant with Arsenal looking to sell off some of their assets to raise funds.

But with their £40 million (nearly $56 million) bid for White falling short, it will be interesting if that setback will alter their stance.

Arsenal could opt to sell either Guendouzi or Saliba first and then increase their bid for White.

The two French players will be worth watching as Arsenal tries to bring in new faces.

However, convincing players to come to the Emirates Stadium will not come easy for Arteta.

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