As Marseille continue to be hopeful of signing William Saliba from Arsenal on a permanent deal, a new effort from the Ligue 1 side is reported by Foot Mercato.
According to the French outlet, the club approached the Gunners to get to know the conditions for a potential purchase.
Marseille are said to be ‘ready to make a real financial effort’ to convince Arsenal, as following the one-year loan, they now want to have Saliba on a long-term contract.
Foot Mercato don’t seem to know how much will be enough for the Gunners to accept letting him go. They wonder if €40m would be sufficient, and that’s already called ‘a hell of a sum’ for the Ligue 1 side.
It’s pointed out Marseille will ‘have to rely more than ever on the negotiating skills of Pablo Longoria’ so they can find a reasonable agreement with Arsenal for the move.
Saliba is said to be open to staying at the French club for longer, as he’s just had a good season under Jorge Sampaoli.
Besides the price for a transfer, Marseille also need to check what the Gunners’ plans are for the player, since a few reports already claimed he’s in Mikel Arteta’s mind for next season.
