Transfer: Saliba Joins On Loan From Arsenal

Arsenal defender, William Saliba, has joined Nice on loan until the end of the season. The development was confirmed by both clubs on Monday.

Nice in a statement released on Monday noted that the deal with the Gunners was without an option to buy the 19-year-old.

A source, however, disclosed that the loan could be extended into next season.

Arsenal said that the move had the aim of giving Saliba “the chance for more competitive playing time”.

“We’re confident he will have a great career with us but we must remember that he is still only 19 years old and has a lot of time ahead of him,” said Arsenal’s technical director Edu.

The teenager is yet to play for the North London side’s first team since joining from Saint-Etienne in June.

Arsenal paid 30 million euros ($36.8 million) in July 2019 for the France under-20 international before sending him back to Saint-Etienne on-loan for a season.

Saliba could come in as cover for injured captain Dante for Wednesday’s trip to Brest, Nice’s first match since the winter break.