William Saliba questions whether he is an Arsenal player after nightmare start at club in awkward chat with Lacazette

WILLIAM SALIBA has questioned whether he really counts as an Arsenal player, in an awkward exchange with team-mate Alexandre Lacazette.

The Frenchman signed from Saint-Etienne in the summer of 2019 for £27million.

5

5

But, after returning from his initial loan spell back in Ligue 1, Saliba is yet to play a single minute for the Gunners' first-team.

And appearing in a for the club's media department alongside compatriot Lacazette, Saliba questioned whether he can truly be counted as a Gunners player.

The duo were asked to name French Arsenal players from down the years, as part of a game.

Saliba started by naming Thierry Henry.

To which Lacazette, 29, instantly hit back by saying 'Saliba'.

The 19-year-old, however, was awkward in his reply.

He hit back, while laughing: "I haven't played yet!"

Lacazette then giggled too, replying: "Of course. Oh, but you signed! Does Saliba count or no?"

5

Most read in Football

ALLY'S ORDEAL

McCoist suffering from incurable 'Viking's disease' that ops couldn't fix

RASHING IT OUT

How Ruben Amorim will resurrect Marcus Rashford's Man United career

HOSPITAL DASH

Cristiano Ronaldo's uncle 'rushed to hospital after being hit by car' in UK

STRIKER SHOCK

Luther Blissett, 66, 'collapses at charity event' and rushed to hospital

The teen reasoned: "I don't play, so...

"No, I didn't play!"

Lacazette fired: "But you signed for the club, it's the same."

But Saliba didn't back down: "No, no. He said French players."

Lacazette finished the exchange by saying 'Sorry I didn't know' before naming himself.

Saliba has not featured in a single matchday squad in the Premier League this term, and was left out of Mikel Arteta's 25-man squad for the Europa League.

5

5

He was an unused substitute in the Community Shield, as well as for the EFL Cup third round victory over Leicester.

Otherwise, he has been limited to Under-23s football, playing in five of Arsenal's PL2 matches.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

TUNE IN

Freeview watchers warned of nine major changes coming to TVs across the UK TODAY

PAY OUT

Major update to car finance compensation scandal

And he was sent off in the young Gunners' EFL Trophy defeat to AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday night.

Saliba appears likely to head out on loan in January, with boss Arteta having admitted that he is 'fed up' with the situation regarding his young defender.

⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates