William Saliba was supposed to return to Arsenal on June 30, the date of the expiry of his loan agreement with Saint-Etienne. However, Mikel Arteta has given green light to a temporary extension.
While the Ligue 1 was cancelled because of public health concerns, the French Cup final is scheduled to take place on July 24, with the defender's team facing champions Paris Saint-Germain.
"I think he needs to stay there. We’ve got an agreement with Saint-Etienne, he’s been over there all year," the boss said at the pre-Norwich press conference, as relayed by the Evening Standard.
"He has earned the right to play in that final if the manager wants to do that. I think we have to give him the opportunity to do that, to enjoy that and we can have him after that.
"I spoke with him a few times. He has been around a few times here as well. We have been following his season.
"As a young player, he had a difficult season with injuries that he had but it is part of his process.
"I know how high the expectations are on him for next year but we have to bear in mind the age that he’s at and what he has done in the past, and make sure we create the right environment for him so he can keep going as a player."
Saliba's heroics brought Saint-Etienne to the final, their first in 38 years. Not only they will get into Europe in case they lift the trophy: the French Cup will be the first title in seven years for French fallen giants.
Les Verts will face Ligue 1 champions PSG on July 24. Initially, the final was scheduled for April but was postponed because of the pandemic.
Had Saliba returned to the Emirates on June 30, he would have been unable to take part in Premier League games as he's already registered for Ligue 1. However, he could have trained with the rest of the team and start his adaptation to life in the UK.
Arteta's decision shows the boss' man-management skills. While asking Saint-Etienne and Saliba to obey the agreement would have resulted in the centre-back getting more valuable training time at London Colney, he is surely keen on helping his team lay hands on a historic trophy.
Do you think it's a wise move from Arteta? Or do you believe Arteta should have insisted on Saliba's return? Tell us in the comments or through blogs!
