Barcelona were reportedly interested in Arsenal defender William Saliba during the summer transfer window.
Despite their well-documented financial troubles, the Catalan giants had a busy few months in the market, making multiple high-profile signings.
Xavi was successful in securing central defence duo Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde, with the former joining from Chelsea and the latter joining Camp Nou after rejecting the Blues.
With Barcelona’s focus switching to full-backs, no more centre-backs were expected to arrive at the club, but it appears that they had other options on their shortlist had Kounde decided to move to Stamford Bridge.
Barcelona Interested In William saliba?
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, if Barcelona had been forced to go elsewhere, Saliba was very much on their radar.
Arsenal have been really inflexible on William Saliba: untouchable despite OM intention to make an official bid. đź”´đź”’ #AFC
Saliba was also in Barcelona list after priority target Jules Koundé.
…and he’s really loving his life at Arsenal, now. More: https://t.co/swMi32LMVz pic.twitter.com/QpcU0ZJ9yx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 3, 2022
Although there was an expectation that the Frenchman would eventually assume his place in the Arsenal first-team squad, having only two years left on his contract may have left the Gunners open to bids.
The North London club were in a position to make a significant profit on a player who had yet to feature for the first team as a result of his stellar role on loan at Marseille last season.
However, Saliba eventually stayed at the Emirates Stadium and has helped Arsenal maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table after eight games.
In addition to playing every minute of those games, the 21-year-old has provided two goals and one assist, assisting his team to a joint-second-best defensive record in the division.
Related: Jesus And Saliba Have Taken Arsenal To “Another Level” – Carragher
Saliba is currently viewed as important by head coach Mikel Arteta, prompting the club to make an effort to extend the player’s contract beyond 2024.
However, Saliba has hinted that he is not in a hurry to sign new contracts, telling reporters: “Yes, we’ll see. They talk a little bit. We will see.”
According to an earlier report, Saliba was willing to consider his choices given his current negotiating stance.
If Saliba does not sign a new contract with Arsenal before the summer transfer window, a slew of clubs will almost likely pursue him.
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