Transfer News

Journalist gives update on William Saliba situation, amid reported Newcastle interest

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Newcastle United are reportedly interested in a potential loan deal for Arsenal defender William Saliba.

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies have switched their attention to the young Frenchman, with Kris Ajer now seemingly an unlikely bet.

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Photo by JEFF PACHOUD/AFP via Getty Images

Saliba hasn’t yet played for the Arsenal first-team.

He signed for the club in the summer of 2019 for a reported £27 million (Sky Sports), but had one last season with Saint-Etienne on loan.

Last summer, Arsenal then took the decision to loan him out to Allan Saint-Maximin’s old club Nice.

In terms of what the player wants, journalist Chris Wheatley has today brought an update.

He said on Twitter: “Saliba situation remains unchanged. He is desperate to play for Arsenal and has made that clear to his agent.

“Plenty of interest including from Nice who want to extend his loan deal for another season.”

Newcastle need to convince the player

This information from Wheatley would suggest that there isn’t currently any danger of Newcastle signing Saliba this summer.

If he is who the club want, then the club will have to really ramp up their efforts.

Olympique Lyon v OGC Nice - Ligue 1
Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

The club have been here before with trying to sign a centre-back on loan from Arsenal.

Rob Holding was a loan target last summer, and a move fell through.

Hopefully Newcastle officials will make a better go of this potential deal.