Arsenal ‘could block Thierry Henry’s request to recall William Saliba to the French Olympic team – because it would cause him to miss the start of next season’

Arsenal could refuse club legend Thierry Henry’s request to select William Saliba for the French Olympic squad this summer, according to reports.

The Under-21 boss is expected to lead the Blues at the Paris tournament and will select an 18-man squad made up of three players aged over 23.

World Cup winning trio Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann are expected to fill those places, while Saliba could qualify an under-23 player.

French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo has urged Henry not to hold back in his selections, recently saying: “Our goal is to build the best team possible.”

As a result, Henry is reportedly keen to sign the young Gunners star, but his approach could be turned down by his former team, who do not want the 22-year-old to miss the start of the 2024-25 campaign.

Under-21 boss Thierry Henry set to lead French Olympic football team at Games

According to The Mirrorthe north London club have the power to refuse Saliba’s release for the tournament as he is not recognized by FIFA.

Saliba had already been selected for the 2021 Games in Tokyo, but later withdrew from the squad as he did not wish to miss part of Arsenal’s pre-season in a bid to convince Mikel Arteta after a loan spell at Nice.

The situation this summer is further complicated by the probable inclusion of Saliba in Didier Deschamps’ team for the European Championships in Germany.

William Saliba has been in impressive form this season, being part of the best defense in the league

The competition runs from June 14 to July 14 and those taking part will need an additional rest period before reporting for pre-season with their clubs.

Meanwhile, the Olympic Football Tournament runs from July 24 to August 9, with the final scheduled a week before the next Premier League campaign potentially begins on August 16.