Arsenal defender William Saliba could still play for Saint-Etienne in Coupe de France final

One last appearance? Saliba has been on loan at Saint-Etienne this season
AFP via Getty Images

Arsenal defender William Saliba still has an outside chance of playing for Saint-Etienne in the Coupe de France final later this month.

Saliba, who signed for Arsenal last summer for £27million from Saint-Etienne, has been on loan at the French club all season and they wanted to extend his stay so he could play in the rescheduled Coupe de France final on July 24.

Talks broke down, however, as Saint-Etienne were unwilling to follow Arsenal’s training programme for the centre-back, who has been struggling with a foot injury.

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta had previously given his blessing for Saliba to play in the cup final, but the club stood firm in their stance as they were not prepared to risk the youngster’s welfare.

There is now, however, a small chance that Saliba could still play in the Coupe de France final and Saint-Etienne haven’t given up hope.

The ball, though, remains firmly in Arsenal’s court and they will not entertain the idea of a deal if their terms are not met regarding the player’s fitness programme and any financial costs involved, with Saint-Etienne due around £2million if Saliba plays in the Coupe de France final via an appearance-related clause.

The French transfer window opened last month as the Ligue 1 season was curtailed in April due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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It is due to shut again this month, before reopening later in the summer as leagues cannot have their transfer window open for longer than 12 weeks.

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