Marseille set to launch £26m William Saliba bid as they look to sign Arsenal defender on permanent deal
MARSEILLE are set to launch a £26million bid to sign Arsenal defender William Saliba, according to reports.
Saliba impressed on loan at Stade Velodrome last season, helping Jorge Sampaoli’s side finish second in Ligue 1.
The Gunners would like to finally integrate the centre-back into their first-team set up.
But Marseille are determined to try and keep the 21-year-old.
According to , Sampaoli’s side are willing to pay £26m to sign Saliba permanently.
The Arsenal starlet came of age at Marseille last season, producing brilliant performances and even forcing his way into Didier Deschamps’ France squad.
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He is determined to be playing regularly next season ahead of this winter’s World Cup in Qatar.
Marseille’s record transfer is so far the £26m acquisition of Dimitri Payet from West Ham in January 2017.
They would be willing to match that figure for Saliba as they see him as a “safe bet”.
Marseille believe that it would be money well spent as they wouldn’t have to wait for him to settle in, while he would have significant resale value.
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Arsenal would like to at least look at Saliba during pre-season, with a view to him competing for a starting spot.
Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes were regular starters last season, with Rob Holding their only senior back up.
Marseille would be able to offer Saliba Champions League football, while Arsenal are only in the Europa League.