Marseille boss Jorge Sampaoli hopes Arsenal loanee William Saliba will stay at the club next season… but admits he doesn’t know who will make the final decision about the France defender’s future
Marseille’s Jorge Sampaoli wants to keep hold of Arsenal defender William SalibaSaliba has been almost ever-present for the closest rivals to Ligue 1 winners PSGThe 21-year-old loanee made his bow for France in March and is open to stayingArsenal are yet to give Saliba his debut since he joined for £27m in summer 2019
Jorge Sampaoli wants on-loan Arsenal defender William Saliba to stay at Marseille next season – but the manager of Ligue 1’s second-placed side does not know who will make the final decision about the France international’s future.
Saliba has helped Marseille into pole position for Champions League qualification behind runaway champions Paris Saint-Germain, featuring in all but one league match ahead of their final two games of the top-flight season.
The 21-year-old is yet to make his Arsenal debut and will face a battle to dislodge Ben White and Gabriel in Gunners manager Mikel Arteta’s defensive plans.
William Saliba helped Marseille to reach the Europa Conference League semi-finals this season
OM boss Jorge Sampaoli wants to keep Saliba but does not know who will make the decision
Sampaoli told Get French Football News: ‘William’s progress is linked to his development this season and the maturity he now has and his playing time.
‘He is now consistent, he’s grown up as a player. In relation to his situation at the club, I hope that there is a possibility for us to retain a player like him, who knows the team.
‘But I don’t know if it depends on OM, William or Arsenal. I don’t know the possibilities in this case.’
Former Saint-Etienne prospect Saliba, who…