Newcastle United look to have missed out on William Saliba, with the defender set for another move to France.
According to The Athletic, the youngster is set to join Marseille for the 2021/22 season.
It would be the third time Arsenal have loaned him back to Ligue 1. He joined the Gunners in a £27 million move in 2019 (Sky Sports).
Saliba is yet to make an appearance for the north Londoners’ first-team.
Despite The Athletic saying Newcastle and Lille emerged as ‘leading contenders’ for the centre-back, it’s claimed the player’s choice was Marseille.
L’Equipe add that there will be an option to buy for Marseille.
The club will be participating in the Europa League in 2021/22, which may be part of the attraction.
Newcastle had been hopeful of a loan deal for Saliba.
But it looks as though the Magpies will have to look elsewhere.
The club have been linked with the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo and Nat Phillips.
Manager Steve Bruce needs reinforcements at the back this window, as his current options are all in and around the age of 30.
Saliba blow should push Newcastle towards Tosin
With Saliba now looking like a non-starter, Newcastle should now focus their attention on Fulham defender Tosin.
He can supposedly leave Craven Cottage for as little as £10 million this summer.
While Saliba would have been nice, Tosin actually has Premier League experience under his belt, and is a little older than the Frenchman.
Potentially he would be a great addition for not a huge amount of money – something that has to appeal to Mike Ashley.
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