WILLIAM SALIBA has questioned whether he really counts as an Arsenal player, in an awkward exchange with team-mate Alexandre Lacazette.
The Frenchman signed from Saint-Etienne in the summer of 2019 for £27million.
Saliba pointed out his lack of game timeCredit: Youtube
The Frenchman laughed at his own situationCredit: Youtube
But, after returning from his initial loan spell back in Ligue 1, Saliba is yet to play a single minute for the Gunners’ first-team.
And appearing in a YouTube video for the club’s media department alongside compatriot Lacazette, Saliba questioned whether he can truly be counted as a Gunners player.
The duo were asked to name French Arsenal players from down the years, as part of a game.
Saliba started by naming Thierry Henry.
To which Lacazette, 29, instantly hit back by saying ‘Saliba’.
The 19-year-old, however, was awkward in his reply.
He hit back, while laughing: “I haven’t played yet!”
Lacazette then giggled too, replying: “Of course. Oh, but you signed! Does Saliba count or no?”
Saliba has been limited to reserve football at ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The teen reasoned: “I don’t play, so…
“No, I didn’t play!”
Lacazette fired: “But you signed for the club, it’s the same.”
But Saliba didn’t back down: “No, no. He said French players.”
Lacazette finished the exchange by saying ‘Sorry I didn’t know’ before naming himself.
Saliba has not featured in a single matchday squad in the Premier League this term, and was left out of Mikel Arteta’s 25-man squad for the Europa League.
Saliba, 19, was sent off against AFC Wimbledon in midweekCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The £27million recruit hasn’t featured for Arteta since pre-seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
He was an unused substitute in the Community Shield, as well as for the EFL Cup third round victory over Leicester.
Otherwise, he has been limited to Under-23s football, playing in five of Arsenal’s PL2 matches.
And he was sent off in the young Gunners’ EFL Trophy defeat to AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday night.
Saliba appears likely to head out on loan in January, with boss Arteta having admitted that he is ‘fed up’ with the situation regarding his young defender.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
