French giants considering January move for Arsenal £40,000 a-week star

 

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly keeping close tabs on Arsenal defender William Saliba, with the French centre-back impressing for the Gunners in the early stages of the 2022-23 season.

The 21-year-old defender joined the North London giants from Saint-Etienne back in 2019, however, he had loan spells at Les Verts, Marseille and Nice before officially arriving at the Emirates Stadium.

Saliba has been a vital player for Mikel Arteta’s side this term, playing 10 games in all competitions, scoring twice and providing an assist in nine Premier League marches.

There is currently uncertainty surrounding the France international’s future, though, as his deal is set to expire at the end of the 2023-24 season.

According to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, PSG are keeping a close tabs on Saliba’s situation at the Emirates Stadium with a view to potentially moving for him in the near future.

“Saliba is the most complicated of the three [along with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli’s contracts] really. Arsenal sources fully expect all three to be done,” Jacobs told Football Terrace’s YouTube channel.

“With Saliba, it’s a little bit different. Compared to Martinelli and Saka, he’s only been back at the club a few months. He’s still coming to terms with a lot of voices in his ear. It’s not just Marseille, it’s PSG saying: ‘if you’re that uncertain or unsure about Arsenal, we can potentially bring you in’.

“PSG are definitely still looking for defenders. I see no reason he would want to leave but the only caveat there is he did love living in France. If PSG did come in, it might give him a decision to make. It is still highly likely Saliba signs. Arsenal have confidence but there is a lot more concrete interest around Saliba.”

Saliba starred on loan at Ligue 1 giants Marseille during the 2021-22 season, playing 52 games in all competitions, including 36 appearences in France’s top flight.