Stade Rennes’ interest in William Saliba has been a very poorly kept secret over the last few weeks, but the Ligue 1 outfit’s attempts have reportedly been rebuffed by the player himself.
The young French defender joined Arsenal two years ago but he was immediately sent back on loan to Saint-Etienne. He returned at the start of last season and supporters were convinced that he would play a big part.
Mikel Arteta, however, had other ideas. He didn’t believe that Saliba was ready for the Premier League and the defender was sent out on loan in January after six months with the reserves.
Arsenal fans are hoping to see Saliba get a chance next season, but it’s not looking likely at this point. As a result, clubs are circling around to sign him on another loan deal, and Rennes are reportedly the only club to have made a move. Sadly for them, Saliba rejected their offer immediately.
Why did William Saliba reject a move to Rennes?
Some Arsenal fans were hoping that Saliba rejected the move because he wanted to stay at the Emirates and prove Arteta wrong. However, his decision had nothing to do with the Gunners.
Ouest France claimed yesterday that Saliba was keen to join Rennes last summer after Les Rouge et Noir enquired about signing him. He waited and waited, only to see the Brittany based outfit turn their attention elsewhere.
That cost Saliba six months of his career at the top level. He was forced to play for the reserves instead of playing regularly at a different club on loan, and that seems to have really angered him.
As a result, Saliba rejected a move to Rennes without a moment’s thought and he could now head elsewhere on loan.
The Insider’s View:
Arsenal are locked in talks with Brighton to sign Ben White and that is the biggest reason why Saliba has no place at Arsenal at the moment. Fans are desperate to see him, but Arteta seems to have other plans.
As reported widely, Saliba’s agent was at Highbury House this week to discuss his client’s future with Edu. A meeting has taken place, but it’s still unclear what was told to the young Frenchman’s representatives.
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Arsenal players will return to London Colney for pre-season in less than a week’s time and Saliba could be a part of the first few sessions before he heads to the Olympics with France.
He won’t have much time to show Arteta what he’s all about, but if he can find a way to impress him, he could well be given an opportunity in the first team next season.
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