Arsenal fans may well have been delighted to see club legend Ian Wright sharing a message of support to youngster William Saliba recently.
Despite joining the club back in the summer of 2019, the Frenchman has not yet played a senior game for the Gunners. However, a successful season on loan with Marseille this term has seen him rewarded with a first international call-up.
Indeed, he made his first appearance for France last week as he played 32 minutes in a 2-1 win against Ivory Coast.
Will William Saliba play for Arsenal next season?
Yes
No
Following that huge moment in his career, the young centre-back sent a message of pride on Instagram in French which roughly translates as: “I am so proud and grateful for my first selection in the France team. Thank you to the public for your incredible welcome.”
Former player Wright then showed Saliba plenty of love as he sent the applause emoji a number of times in response.
TIF Thoughts on William Saliba and Arsenal…
Owing to the fact that he has been loaned out multiple times since joining Arsenal and hasn’t played for the team yet, much speculation exists around the future of Saliba.
In a recent article from The Athletic, France-based football writer Matt Spiro suggested that Mikel Arteta doesn’t fully rate the player, saying: “My feeling is that Arteta for whatever reason isn’t sold on him.”
Meanwhile, the author of that article, James McNicholas, claimed that having now made his international debut, Saliba may want to be at a club where he is guaranteed minutes to keep alive his hopes of playing at the World Cup this year.
With all that in mind, fans who want the defender in north London next season may well be relieved to see club legend Wright is keeping an eye on the youngster and offering him public support.
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