Fulham is the most likely destination for William Saliba on loan, with time running out for the player to move to a club in Europe’s top-tiers.

ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 08: of Arsenal during a training session at London Colney on September 08, 2020 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
ST ALBANS, ENGLAND: William Saliba (centre-left) of Arsenal during a training session on September 08, 2020. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Sam Dean reports that it looks like Fulham is now the most likely destination for William Saliba. The defender is free to leave Arsenal on loan before the European deadline, with the London club front-runners right now.

There are a few clear benefits to loaning Saliba to Fulham. Their defence is terrible, so he’d play a lot. They’re a Premier League club based in London, so it would help him settle in English football and in the city.

On the other hand, their awful defending and Scott Parker’s minimal experience as a head coach counts against Fulham. Would it be the best place for his confidence and development? Possibly not.

Either way, Saliba clearly isn’t the only option for Fulham. David Ornstein reports that they’re looking at Joachim Andersen of Lyon. In fairness, Ornstein does say that Fulham are ideally looking to bring in two defenders, so that might not stop a move.

Previous talk of a Saliba move back to France appears to be off. Rennes were the leading contender, and they signed Daniele Rugani on loan instead.

If Saliba can’t complete a move today, his only options are to stay with Arsenal or join a lower-league EFL club on loan.