Fitness row scuppered Saliba extension
ARSENAL this morning hit back at Saint-Etienne after a row erupted between the two clubs over the extension of defender William Saliba’s loan.
Saliba has been on loan at the French club all season, having left them to join Arsenal last summer for £27million, and they wanted to extend his stay by one month so he could play in the rescheduled Coupe de France final on July 24.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta yesterday gave his blessing to the extension, but talks broke down before the midnight deadline.
Saint-Etienne responded by claiming in a statement that Arsenal had been “imposing absolutely unacceptable sporting and financial conditions”, which caused the deal to collapse.
Arsenal refute the French club’s claims and this morning responded with a strong statement, explaining Saint-Etienne would not agree to a training programme for Saliba (right), who has a foot problem.
“As William is returning from injury, we asked that Saint-Etienne follow a clear training plan with him in close collaboration with us, to ensure he is fully fit for the start of next season,” said Arsenal. “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.”
Arsenal added, although it was not their “primary concern”, they had “expected not to be financially disadvantaged by extending the loan”. It is understood SaintEtienne would have been due a fee if Saliba played in the final due to an appearance-related clause, believed to be in the region of £2m.
The defender is now due back at Arsenal and is able to train with the squad, but cannot play this season.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are hopeful teenager Bukayo Saka could put pen to paper on a new contract this week.
Saka has been one of the bright sparks for Arsenal, who play Norwich at home tonight, in a difficult season.
The 18-year-old’s current contract is due to expire in a year and he has attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool.
Saka, however, is now close to agreeing fresh terms with Arsenal and could sign a new deal this week.
The Gunners are back in action at Emirates Stadium for the first time since the Premier League restart.
David Luiz (knee) and Mesut Ozil (back) are doubts, but full-back Cedric Soares is fit to make his debut.
Gunners captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who was rested for Sunday’s FA Cup win over Sheffield United, is due to return, while striker Eddie Nketiah is set to come in for Alexandre Lacazette.