Marseille plan €25-30m move for Arsenal player | OneFootball

Marseille are planning a €25-30m move to sign William Saliba this summer, though Arsenal remain uninterested in a sale.

Marseille’s French defender William Saliba (L) delivers a speech after receiving the best hope player trophy from French former player Djibril Cisse on May 15, 2022. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

RMC (via GFFN) report that Marseille are willing to commit to €25-30m for the signing of William Saliba, and they’re expected to pursue a summer transfer.

The Ligue 1 club have been boosted by the DNCG (who are responsible for monitoring the accounts of French football clubs) removing their previous restrictions on spending, and Saliba is understandably a top target for them.

But Arsenal are not interested in selling Saliba at this stage.

Ryan Taylor of the Daily Express reports that Marseille are lining up a permanent move, and Saliba wants assurances over his minutes as he looks to this year’s World Cup.

Whilst that leaves the player open to a transfer, Taylor repeats that Arsenal are insistent he’s not for sale.

It’s the same story we heard from Foot Mercato earlier this week. Marseille have made contact with Arsenal, but Mikel Arteta is keen to keep the defender around.

L’Equipe reported earlier this month that Arteta has told Saliba he’ll be counting on him next season, and Arsenal are talking about the possibility of a contract extension.

Whilst the French media keep talking up Saliba’s desire to return to Marseille, the player suggested the opposite in a June interview.

“I belong to Arsenal,” Saliba said. “I still have two years left. I will be at pre-season with Arsenal.

“I have played zero matches and I still want to show them my true face and have the chance to play for these fans and this great club.”

Young Player of the Year award winner, after making 51 appearances for Marseille this season.