Saliba’s Cryptic Hint Adds Spice to Mbappe-Arsenal Speculation
William Saliba, an Arsenal player, might have given out some information about how he feels about Kylian Mbappen moving to the Emirates Stadium. The star player for Paris Saint-Germain, Kylian Mbappe, was quite open about his sentiments about leaving the Parc des Princes last summer and announced that he would not be renewing his contract with the team.
This implies that unless he agrees to a new deal with the Ligue 1 winners before then, the French international will be free to go on a summer move. The 24-year-old has been connected to a transfer to the Premier League in rumours.
Among the teams that have been connected to Mbappe is Arsenal. Mbappe has already discussed how close he was to joining the Gunners in 2017. He told the Telegraph that he was on the verge of joining the north Londoners. “Yes, I had a meeting with the excellent coach Arsene Wenger.
“He is well regarded, has a stellar reputation in France, and is skilled at mentoring new players. For me, this was a viable choice.
Naturally, though, Paris Saint-Germain was the top choice. We considered the benefits and drawbacks of each club, but my family insisted that I make the choice because it was mine to make.
Additionally, it has to be a long-term choice. It was ultimately up to me, and I chose to come here in order to grow.”
Saliba, the centre defender for Arsenal, may have hinted subtly that he hopes to see his French colleague at the Emirates Stadium in the future. During an interview with the team’s official YouTube channel, the gifted defender stated: “We need to sign more French players.”
Naturally, the 22-year-old’s evaluation might have been nothing more than a casual remark. However, given that he and Mbappe attended the same French elementary school, their close friendship may have played a role.
“I grew up on an estate,” Saliba stated in a 2019 interview with Arsenal Player. Really, it helps to have grown up on an estate.
Together with all of your friends, you get to play on the neighbourhood five-a-side fields. It’s honestly easy since everyone enjoys football and you’re all together.
“You have the willpower to leave an estate when you’re from one. I also know Kylian Mbappe.
“He went to my primary school when we were little, and his father was my coach when I was little, too.”