Saliba returns to Arsenal as Saint-Etienne blast Gunners’ ‘unacceptable’ terms for loan transfer extension

Saint-Etienne were hopeful of keeping defender Saliba for the final against Paris Saint-Germain after his loan deal expired on Tuesday but it appears the Gunners are playing hardball over a fee.

The French club said: "William Saliba had been training for several days with Claude Puel's group and was obviously very enthusiastic about the idea of finishing his course in Green with such a match.

"Alas, ASSE, which simply wanted the extension of the initial loan until July 24, could not find an agreement in the evening with Arsenal to allow the defender to properly prepare and play this meeting, the English club imposing absolutely unacceptable sports and financial conditions."

Arsenal released their own damning statement, criticising St Etienne for failing to follow their "clear training plan".

It read: "Throughout our discussions with St Etienne, our aim has been to protect the welfare of William Saliba as well as the interests of Arsenal Football Club, while honouring the terms of the loan.

"Despite the loan ending on June 30, we were willing to find a way for William to play in the [French] cup final on July 24, despite having no contractual obligation to do so.

"As William is returning from injury, we asked that St Etienne follow a clear training plan with William in close collaboration with us, to ensure he is fully fit for the start of next season.

"To our surprise we were unable to reach agreement to this plan which was proposed by our medical experts, and we are simply not prepared to risk the welfare of an Arsenal player.

"While it was not our primary concern, and ultimately not relevant as our training plan was not accepted, we also expected not to be financially disadvantaged by extending the loan. This was also not acceptable to St Etienne.

"We know this is a disappointment for William but he understands we are working to protect his long-term interests and those of Arsenal.”

We are simply not prepared to risk the welfare of an Arsenal player.

Arsenal

Arsenal signed Saliba from St Etienne for £27million last summer but immediately loaned him back for the campaign.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta had hoped that an extension could be agreed and the centre-back would play in the final.

The Spaniard said: "I think he needs to stay there.

"We’ve got an agreement with Saint-Etienne, he’s been over there all year.

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“He has earned the right to play in that final if the manager wants to do that. I think we have to give him the opportunity to do that, to enjoy that and we can have him after that."

Saliba, 19, made 17 appearances throughout an injury-riddled season including three in the Coupe de France.

He is now likely to return to England within the next few days and will be available for Arsenal's push to secure a European spot.