William Saliba would prefer to prove himself in the Premier League with Arsenal than join Marseille permanently, according to a report.

Marseille's French defender William Saliba (C) and teammates celebrate at the end of the French L1 football match between Bordeaux and Marseille on January 7, 2022. (Photo by ROMAIN PERROCHEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
Marseille’s French defender William Saliba (C) and teammates celebrate at the end of the French L1 football match between Bordeaux and Marseille on January 7, 2022. (Photo by ROMAIN PERROCHEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

Football.London report that they understand William Saliba would prefer to prove himself with Arsenal than join Marseille on a permanent deal this summer.

Arsenal will reportedly review Saliba’s situation at the end of the season, as well as holding preliminary talks over a new contract towards the end of his loan spell.

The update comes hot on the heels of reports from France that Marseille want to keep Saliba, and are planning to hold talks with him over a permanent move.

La Provence reported that discussions will start soon between the player and his loan team. But L’Equipe added that Arsenal would want at least €30m for a sale, which is likely to price Marseille out of the market.

Marseille have already agreed to sign up two Arsenal players in 2022, with Sead Kolasinac joining permanently in January, and Marseille chief Pablo Longoria confirming that Matteo Guendouzi will sign at the end of the season.

Yet Longoria highlights that they’re just one of the parties involved in a potential deal to make Saliba the third.

“It’s a three-way question,” Longoria pointed out. “For the player’s owning club – Arsenal, the player, and Olympique de Marseille.

“We have to see our possibilities. He is very good here, we are very satisfied with his performance.

william saliba marseille training
William Saliba in training with Marseille

“William [Saliba] is one of the best young defenders I’ve seen in my career.

“After all, everything depends on the three parties. It’s a matter of market value. But we have extraordinary relations with Arsenal.”