Ahead of the new Ligue 1 season, Marseille held a press conference in which William Saliba was in attendance.

Marseille president Pablo Logoria described Saliba as ‘one of the best modern centre-backs in Europe.’

“Every transfer has a story. For William, it went very well, we had a lot of fun and we had very good conversations. William is a player with extraordinary potential, one of the best modern centre-backs in Europe,” said Longoria.

The news will create mixed feelings for Arsenal fans who are still waiting to see what comes of Saliba more than 2 years after signing for the club.

He is yet to play and with Ben White signing and taking his number 4, his future looks bleak in the red and white.

Saliba speaks out

Saliba himself was at the press conference and spoke bluntly but not openly about his situation at Arsenal.

When asked about leaving England to return to France again, Saliba hit back claiming that he felt it was the right time to move to England but that he isn’t thinking about that situation.

“I don’t think I left for England too early. I don’t care about all that,” said Saliba.

Saliba did however confirm that it was his decision to push to join Marseille. Arsenal had reportedly wanted Saliba to join an English club to get experience more tangible to a future with the Gunners, but it wasn’t to be.

“I chose OM because it is the right choice. I pushed to come here. We will see what will happen next season,” said Saliba.

Whether he ever plays for Arsenal after this 3rd loan spell ends remains to be seen.