Newcastle United loan target William Saliba has been named on the list of nominees for the Golden Boy 2021 award.
The Arsenal youngster joins 99 other young talents across world football in being recognised as being one of the game’s best prospects right now.
Saliba hasn’t actually played for Arsenal’s first-team yet.
Since signing for the Gunners in 2019, he went back to Saint-Etienne on loan and then had a season with Nice.
He enjoyed a productive campaign at Nice, making 22 appearances for them in 2020/21.
He was named among the nominees for Ligue 1 centre-back of the season.
Clearly, he is someone who has a very bright future in the game.
Newcastle appear to acknowledge that, having recently been linked with a loan swoop for the 20-year-old.
The Daily Mail reported earlier this month that the Magpies were keen to land the Frenchman.
Journalist Chris Wheatley claimed Arsenal Saliba was ‘desperate’ to play for Arsenal.
But the Chronicle then reported Arsenal wouldn’t stand in Saliba’s way if Newcastle did lodge a loan bid.
Newcastle need to swoop
Clearly Saliba has amazing potential.
He wouldn’t be near this list if he didn’t.
It remains to be ssen whether Arsenal will let him head out to another Premier League club.
But the success of Joe Willock’s loan move last term may well give the Magpies hope.
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