William Saliba’s Nice debut doesn’t go as planned as Arsenal star’s struggles continue

William Saliba received a yellow card in a 2-0 defeat as the Arsenal defender made his loan debut for Nice.

The center-back sealed a move to Ligue 1 earlier this week after failing to make a single senior appearance for the Gunners this season.

Despite the 19-year-old’s arrival this summer and with a lot of hype, Mikel Arteta has left Saliba out of his Premier League and Europa League squads.

Even when the Spaniard got the chance to name the Carabao Cup center-back, Saliba’s name was completely absent.

Arteta explained in November that Saliba needed time to adjust to the rigors of Premier League football. And from there, it looked like the teenager’s fate in January was sealed.

On Monday, Saliba’s loan transfer to Nice was confirmed. The change was followed by a few kind words from Edu, who made it clear that Saliba still has a long-term future with Arsenal.

“William Saliba is a player with a tremendous amount of talent and potential,” he said.

“We are convinced he will have a great career with us, but we have to remember that he is still only 19 years old and has a lot of time ahead of him.

A few days later, Saliba was thrown into the starting lineup for Nice against Brest. But it wasn’t the start he hoped for.

Eleven minutes into the clash, Saliba was reserved after attempting to retrieve the ball after losing it with a heavy touch.

Although neither was his direct fault, Saliba was part of a three-way defense that conceded two goals as the Ligue 1 side fell to win.

Saliba’s debut contained some nice touches and tips, but his Nice career ultimately began with a loss.

Nice is now 13th in Ligue 1, nine points above the nearest relegation place.

Things can only get better for the youngster.