Arsenal defender William Saliba returned to north London this summer after a brilliant season on loan with Marseille in Ligue 1.
The French outfit are now without a manager after Jorge Sampaoli quit the club in shocking fashion. According to the Mirror, Sampaoli became frustrated with Marseille's transfer policy and inability to secure a permanent deal for Saliba.
The French defender won Ligue 1's Young Player of the Year award last season following his impressive performances, helping Marseille secure Champions League football for the 2022/23 campaign. The 21-year-old is tipped to be a star for the future and his return to the Emirates has seemingly contributed to Sampaoli deciding to leave the French club.
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Arsenal confirmed this week that midfielder Matteo Guendouzi officially joined Marseille after spending last season on loan at the French side with Saliba. The 21-year-old defender was signed under Unai Emery's tenure at the Emirates and has spent the last three consecutive seasons out on loan, but now looks set to play a key role in Arteta's squad ahead of next season.
Having been signed for £27million in 2019, Arsenal fans are yet to see how Saliba performs in Arteta's system. The Gunners are also linked with Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez who can play at centre-back and left back, with Arteta keen to strengthen his defensive options following a difficult end to last season with Kieran Tierney, Ben White and Gabriel all missing at times.
Arsenal have been one of the busier clubs so far in the transfer window, with a number of incomings and outgoings being confirmed by the club. The north Londoners are expected to confirm the £45million signing of Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus after agreeing a deal to sign the Brazilian earlier this week.
Saliba's return will add quality and depth to Arsenal's defensive options next season as they prepare to fight on all fronts, including the Europa League. The 21-year-old will compete with Gabriel, White and Rob Holding for a starting centre-back spot in Arteta's team ahead of the season opener against Crystal Palace on Friday, August 5.
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