Overview
- Saliba told L’Equipe that he turned down Arsenal’s suggested 2021 loan moves to Newcastle United and Crystal Palace and instead pursued transfers in France.
- He said a proposed switch to Lille collapsed for financial reasons, leaving Marseille as his 2021–22 destination where he played almost every match.
- Saliba described the Marseille season as transformative, saying his form and market value rose and that he earned his first France call-up by March of that campaign.
- Reporting on the interview notes it confirms Arsenal’s long-term loan and contract approach under Mikel Arteta, including firm control of loan terms and refusal to include buy options on early deals.
- England and club coverage also notes Saliba is part of France’s World Cup plans but is being managed for back discomfort with Arsenal deferring any surgical decision until after the tournament.