Many Arsenal supporters have now had their say on the last rumour circulating around centre-back William Saliba.
There is a chance that Arsenal will be briefly without William Saliba at the start of next season.
Gunners legend and current France under-21s manager Thierry Henry is keen for Saliba to be part of his squad for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Given it is a home Olympics for France, they will be taking the football aspect of the tournament more seriously than ever. They will have their eyes fixed on that gold medal.
However, as the Olympic Games are not regulated by FIFA, Mikel Arteta has the right to refuse any request that France may make for Saliba to take part.
If the 22-year-old were to take part in Paris, he would be owed a brief period of rest afterwards, meaning he would be unavailable for the first few games of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
His absence would, of course, be a blow, as the defender is a key figure in this Arsenal squad. Saliba is even considered the best centre-back in the Premier League by some.
Should Arsenal let William Saliba compete in the Olympic Games?
On paper, it would make sense for Arsenal to deny France’s request, and ensure that they have the player to call upon when the new campaign kicks off.
However, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him to represent his country in a home Olympics. If he has his heart set on taking part, then Arteta may wish to prioritise the player’s morale and allow him to go, whilst putting faith in the strength in depth of his squad. Not accounting for what may take place in the upcoming summer transfer window, he already has options such as Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jakub Kiwior, and Jurrien Timber who can provide cover for Saliba alongside Gabriel Magalhaes.
That being said, Arsenal fans are desperate to see the club reject France’s request, and have taken to X to express their views. One supporter said, “No please. What’s Henry’s problem???”
Another exclaimed, “Block it all the way to Sunday. What’s wrong with these legends anyway???” One other fan added, “He will go to EURO 2024. Olympics? No!” Another supporter chipped in with, “It’s just not possible with the Euros. Stop thinking about yourself Henry.”