William Saliba was told to join Newcastle United or Crystal Palace by Arsenal, but he refused. This was before his loan move to Marseille, which changed the course of his career.
What happened?
Arsenal signed William Saliba under former boss Unai Emery, but by the time he arrived, Mikel Arteta was in charge. Saliba was out of favour and headed back to France on loan to Nice.
Why it mattered for William Saliba
The loan move to Nice was a turning point for Saliba, as he became a regular starter. However, upon his return to Arsenal, he was told not to report for pre-season, with the club seeking another loan move.
What came next?
Saliba was faced with a choice between Lille and Marseille, but financial issues at Lille meant he joined Marseille despite initial reluctance. He thrived at Marseille, playing almost every match and increasing his value.
William Saliba's time at Marseille was a success, and he started having fun again. By March, he was playing his first matches for France, and it was an incredible year for him.
The outcome
When Saliba returned to Arsenal, he was thrown straight into the starting XI and has since formed a strong partnership with Gabriel. He has proven to be a rock for the team over the last four seasons.
Arsenal's decision to suggest Saliba join another Premier League club ultimately backfired, as he went on to thrive at Marseille and then return to Arsenal as a key player. Saliba's experience at Marseille was a defining moment in his career, and he has never looked back.
The Frenchman's journey is a testament to his determination and hard work. He has come a long way since being out of favour at Arsenal, and his current form is a reflection of his growth as a player.
William Saliba's story serves as a reminder that sometimes, taking a risk and trying something new can lead to great rewards. His decision to join Marseille was a turning point in his career, and he has since become one of the best centre-halves in Europe.