WILLIAM SALIBA is set to finally start training with his Arsenal team-mates next month – although his move to England could be delayed.
The 19-year-old French Under-20 signed for the Gunners last summer in a £27 million deal from Saint-Etienne.
But the centre-half remained with the Ligue 1 outfit for another season on loan to gain further experience.
Now the remainder of the French top-flight campaign has been cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis, his time there has come to an end.
Saliba now has the opportunity to link up with his Arsenal team-mates in training.
However, The Athletic’s David Ornstein has revealed his switch to the capital could be delayed due to the death of a close one.
He said: “He’s had a family bereavement recently so that’s very unpleasant & he would need time & respect over that.
“I don’t think that would cause a particular problem in coming to move to London as planned but it’s a sad issue he’s had to encounter at a young age.
“Will he be training with the [Arsenal] squad? I guess we’ll have to wait & see what happens in terms of his arrival, his fitness condition, whether Arsenal would want someone who hasn’t been with them until this point training with the main group.”
Saliba will not be permitted to play for the Gunners once the Premier League restarts following the suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
But former Southampton and Leicester boss Claude Puel has backed him to be a regular starter once he can line-up for Mikel Arteta.
The Frenchman, who has managed the starlet at Saint-Etienne this year, told The Athletic: “He is ready. He is a fantastic player. He is a young player but with a lot of maturity in his play. Also, in his life.
“He is a player with a good feeling and spirit. It will be hard for us without him but I think it is a fantastic opportunity for Arsenal.
“I think they need a good centre-back and have done for some time, and I think William is the right player. I think he can play all the time in the first team at Arsenal.”
