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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Alex Milne

William Saliba jokes about Arsenal snub in awkward video with Alexandre Lacazette

William Saliba has debated whether or not he should be considered an Arsenal player during an awkward video with Alexandre Lacazette.

Huge things were expected of the 19-year-old defender when he made his long-awaited move to the club in the summer after spending last season on loan at Saint-Etienne.

But he is yet to play a minute this season under Mikel Arteta, who clearly still does not believe he is ready for senior football.

Saliba has instead been featuring largely for the U21 team, but things went from bad to worse on Tuesday after he was sent off during a game against AFC Wimbledon in the Papa John's Trophy.

He is expected to leave again on loan in January, and he clearly does not feel a very valued member of the team judging by a video he took part in with teammate Lacazette which was posted on Reddit.

In the video, the two have to name as many French players to have represented Arsenal as they can think of.

Saliba starts by saying Thierry Henry, after which Lacazette gives Saliba as his answer.

He replies: "I haven't played yet," and laughs in an uncomfortable fashion.

Lacazette then responds: "Of course. Oh, but you signed," before himself breaking down in laughter.

He asks: "Does Saliba count or no?" and Saliba replies: "No, because I didn't play," before covering his face with his hands.

Saliba's time at Arsenal has not gone according to plan so far (Javier Garcia/BPI/REX/Shutterstock)

Lacazette argues: "But you signed for the club, it's the same," but Saliba dismisses him with: "No, no, he said French players."

It remains to be seen when, if ever, Saliba finally makes his long-awaited Arsenal debut.

But the most likely option in January looks to be either a short-term move back to France or a spell in the Championship as he looks to gain further valuable playing time experience.

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