William Saliba: Arsenal defender joins Nice on loan for rest of season

William Saliba joined Arsenal from Saint-Etienne in July 2019

Arsenal defender William Saliba has signed for Nice on loan for the rest of the season.

The 19-year-old joined the Gunners from Saint-Etienne for £27m in 2019 before being loaned back to the French top-flight club.

He has yet to play for Arsenal's first team and there is a desire for the teenager to get more game time.

The French youth international signed a five-year deal with Arsenal and his long-term future remains at the club.

Nice, who are 12th in France's Ligue 1, will pay all of Saliba's wages while he is on loan and the deal does not include a fee.

Arsenal technical director Edu said the club are "confident" Saliba will have a "great career" with the Gunners.

"William experienced a very challenging time last year, with his playing time limited by injury and the early ending of the Ligue 1 season due to the pandemic," he said.

"We will be keeping in close contact with William during his time with Nice and look forward to seeing him make good progress until the end of the season."

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