West Ham are reportedly considering a surprise move to raid London rivals Arsenal and sign defender William Saliba. A player, that while on loan at Marseille, has impressed the French club’s captain Dimitri Payet this term.
Saliba, 20, joined Arsenal in the summer of 2019 from St. Etienne – but is still yet to make his senior debut for the Gunners. He went back on loan to Les Verts in his first Arsenal season, and then to Nice in January 2021.
This season, he is turning out for his third French club in Ligue 1 – in the form of Marseille. But it is without doubt, his best form of his career – helping Jorge Sampaoli’s side keep 13 clean sheets in his 29 appearances.
CalcioMercato report that Arsenal want £25million for Saliba, and now, Jeunes Footeux claim West Ham are considering a summer raid. Ex-Hammers ace Payet recently spoke of how Saliba has impressed him.
Of Marseille’s new signings, Payet told L’Equipe that Saliba: “is the one that impresses me the most. Considering what he’s been doing since the start of the season, I don’t understand why he hasn’t played more for Arsenal.”
Payet on Saliba: West Ham move would suit Arsenal defender
The chances of Saliba returning to Arsenal and starting for the Gunners looks slim. While he is shining at the top end of French football, Ben White and Gabriel have formed a solid partnership under Mikel Arteta.
Saliba would certainly be first reserve, but the Frenchman will hardly want to warm the bench. A move makes more sense for him and the Hammers would be the ideal landing spot. Hardly far to travel, for starters.
Angelo Ogbonna is out until the summer and 34 in May. Issa Diop is struggling to find his early West Ham form, and Craig Dawson is 32 – and hardly the long-term answer. Saliba at £25million would be a super buy.
