Arsenal’s William Saliba is wanted by Newcastle on loan as he waits to see if he’s in Arteta’s plans

Arsenal’s William Saliba is wanted by Newcastle on loan as defender waits to find out whether he figures in Mikel Arteta’s first-team plans next season

  • Newcastle are interested in taking Arsenal defender William Saliba on loan
  • Saliba is waiting on decision over whether he will be part of Mikel Arteta’s plans 
  • Centre-back, who is yet to make his Arsenal debut, impressed on loan at Nice 

Arsenal defender William Saliba is a loan target for Newcastle United.

The 20-year-old is waiting on a decision from Mikel Arteta about whether he figures in the manager’s first team plans for next season with interest mounting in the centre back.

Newcastle were hoping to sign Kristoffer Ajer from Celtic but a deal for the Norwegian is now unlikely and Norwich City are keen.

Newcastle are interested in a loan move for Arsenal centre-back William Saliba for next season

Saliba, who caught the eye on loan at Nice, must wait to see if he is part of Mikel Arteta's plans

Saliba, who caught the eye on loan at Nice, must wait to see if he is part of Mikel Arteta’s plans

Newcastle also want Joe Willock from Arsenal but that deal would have to be a permanent and the midfielder is waiting to hear whether Arsenal offer him a new contract or sell for £20m.  

Willock excelled during his loan spell at Newcastle in the second half of the season, with the midfielder scoring in seven consecutive games.

Newcastle want to sign Joe Willock from Arsenal permanently following his superb loan spell

Newcastle want to sign Joe Willock from Arsenal permanently following his superb loan spell

Saliba, meanwhile, impressed having joined Nice on loan in January, with the centre-back making 22 appearances in total.

The France youth international joined Arsenal in 2019 for £27m but has yet to play a competitive game for the Gunners.

In the first half of last season Saliba featured for Arsenal’s Under-23 side.