AC Milan want Arsenal defender with zero appearances

AC Milan are interested in Arsenal centre back William Saliba who has yet to make an appearance for the Gunners.

AC Milan lost Sven Botman despite having followed him for over six months. The Netherlands international is join Newcastle United in a deal that could be worth over 40 million euros, bonuses included. The Rossoneri will still sign a new centre back this summer and are looking around for alternatives.

Journalist Nicolo Schira reports that AC Milan are interested in Arsenal defender William Saliba. The French centre back joined Arsenal in 2019 for a fee of €30 million but has yet to make his official debut with the Gunners. Instead, Saliba has been loaned out for the last three years.

The 21-year-old spent the last season at Marseille. Saliba played a key part for Jorge Sampaoli’s squad making a total of 52 appearances with Marseille across all competitions. The French club wanted to keep William for one more season but the player has returned to Arsenal waiting to figure out his future.

Saliba has a lower price tag than Botman but, nevertheless, Arsenal ask more than 2o million for the France international. The centre back is open to leave Arsenal permanent after continuous clashes with coach Mikel Arteta. He never forgave the Spaniard for not giving him a chance at the Emirates.

AC Milan would like to get Saliba in a deal similar to that of Fikayo Tomori from Chelsea. It’s highly unlikely that Arsenal would accept to let the 21-year-old centre back leave on loan with option to buy considering that his contract runs down in two years.

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