Although Arsenal began Euro 2024 with 11 representatives at the tournament, only six of their players will be present in the quarter-finals.
Five of Mikel Arteta’s players are now beginning their holidays and planning their return to pre-season this month.
All of Jakub Kiwior (Poland), Kieran Tierney (Scotland), Oleksandr Zinchenko (Ukraine), Jorginho (Italy) and now Leandro Trossard, who was eliminated alongside Belgium against France yesterday, have crashed out of the competition.
And although Kiwior is set to stay in north London, both Tierney and Zinchenko are free to leave Arsenal this summer – and are perhaps now assessing their options.
That being said, one player who is definitely not free to leave Arsenal is William Saliba.
France eventually progressed past Belgium on Monday, and Saliba now joins Arsenal’s German, English and Spanish representatives in the last eight.
Saliba could meet both Kai Havertz and David Raya before the final, were France to make it so far.
And judging by the imperious display Saliba and his colleagues delivered at the back yesterday, that is a realistic proposition.
Arsenal defender William Saliba hailed for incredible France performance at Euro 2024
Alongside Jules Kounde, who Barcelona may be willing to sell to Arsenal this summer, Saliba was immense for France.
Playing on the left side of the centre-back duo, the Frenchman looked incredibly comfortable.
And following the game, Saliba understandably took to Instagram to celebrate with both France and Arsenal fans.
The defender uploaded a collection of five photos from the 1-0 win at Euro 2024 alongside a caption of: “Tough game but nice win. See you in the quarters! Come on the Blues.”
Arsenal men Ian Wright and Gabriel both replied in the comments, recognising a superb display by the £27m-defender.
Gabriel left his comment in French saying: “Yes my friend!!” and Wright simply left a series of clapping emojis.
Of course, should both France and Germany make it through their respective quarter-finals – which will be no easy task, Arsenal fans could be treated to an episode of Saliba vs Havertz.
Should England make it so far – which doesn’t currently seem likely based on recent evidence, both Saka and Rice won’t face any of their Arsenal teammates until the final.
However, both will face Granit Xhaka on Saturday, who has been one of the best performers of any team at the Euros.
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