Arsenal is still hungry to sign Lisandro Martinez after Mikel Arteta stole William Saliba from Olympique Marseille.
It’s understandable that some Arsenal supporters may have wondered why their team passed on William Saliba. The French center defender was always held in high regard in his own country playing for Marseille. He has also thrived throughout his temporary returns to the French League.
Nevertheless, although he has always been on the payroll for 36 months, he has yet to play for the Gunners in the main squad.
Why was Arsenal interested?
Saliba absolutely blew everyone away with Marseille the previous year. He also enabled Jorge Sampaoli’s team to qualify for the European Championship Cup.
A spot in the Ligue 1 TOTY and the Young Player of the Year trophy was given to the 21-year-old in recognition of his performances.
Saliba is currently held in such high regard by the Gunners. The club is wishing for a speedy contract renewal. There are still 24 months on his present contract.
Lisandro Martinez on demand
Mikel Arteta didn’t choose to stop at William Saliba. Arsenal now wants to try their luck in bringing Lisandro Martinez from Ajax. These reports came from the renowned Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano last week. Amsterdam is demanding £42 million for Martinez who’s drawn attention from Old Trafford as well.
Martinez’s adaptability is the fundamental quality that has Gunners, and managers, on edge. He can play both left-back and center-back in a two or three-man defense. Additionally, he is a leftie, and great left-footed fullbacks are very hard to come by.
Should Saliba sign for the Gunners?
Romano mentioned Arsenal’s confidence in Saliba. He did accept that, in the case of a crazy bid, his circumstances may alter. A proposal of that magnitude is doubtful to be made by Marseille, though.
The defender is all set to play in the Premier League in case his time with Marseille goes south. Saliba can take this bold step in moving away from France. Arteta trusts the player and is open to letting him play for Arsenal if he wishes to. In conclusion, if all goes well, William will play a significant role in Arsenal’s defenses next year.
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