Mikel Arteta reveals why William Saliba was left out of Arsenal team for win against Liverpool as rumours of Rennes loan emerge
Mikel Arteta has hinted that William Saliba will spend the season out on loan again after the defender was left out of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup win against Liverpool.
The Frenchman, 19, is yet to make his competitive debut following his £28million arrival from Saint-Etienne last July.
Saliba featured for Arsenal in the Community Shield final back in August
As part of the deal he was loaned back to the French outfit for the 2019/20 campaign, with Gunners supporters expecting to see him involved in Arteta’s plans this term.
However, it appears that will not be the case as the Spaniard believes he needs more time to ‘transition’ before making his first-team bow, with Ligue 1 side Rennes said to be interested.
Speaking after their penalty shoot-out success on Thursday night, Arteta said: “He had year last where Arsenal essentially loaned him to Saint-Etienne and that was a transition year for him.
“For many reasons, that wasn’t the transition year that he needed because he had a lot of injuries, he had some personal issues and obviously with COVID and the French league getting cancelled, he didn’t have that year, so he needs that year of transition.
“He needs that year of transition and we are trying to make the right decisions for him to make the best possible year of transition for him to have the player we want for our future.”
Leno was in outstanding form for the Gunners on Thursday night
Meanwhile, Bernd Leno revealed he never doubted his position as Arsenal’s no.1.
Emiliano Martinez made a string of impressive performances for the Gunners when Leno was injured towards the end of last season.
But with Martinez refusing to play second fiddle to Leno this term, he joined Aston Villa in a £20m deal last month.
And the 28-year-old, who starred in the win over Jurgen Klopp’s men, said he always felt confident of his place.
“No, I’ve never feared it, because the club always gave me the feeling that I was the number one, I am the number one and I will be the number one,” the Germany international said.
“That was always very good from the club. My job is to prove it and I think tonight I’ve done that again.”
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