Arthur Masuaku’s situation at Valenciennes back then was definitely drawing a lot of attention, and it’s no surprise Marseille was interested. At just 20 years old, his combination of defensive solidity and attacking flair as a full-back made him a hot prospect in France and beyond.
Being tracked by clubs in Germany and England shows his potential was recognized internationally, but his clear preference for staying in Ligue 1 and developing in France often makes sense for young players—familiar environment, language, and a league known for nurturing talent.
Marseille, with their history of giving opportunities to promising French players, would have been a perfect platform for Masuaku to step up. Montpellier and Lens also had good reputations for youth development, so he had solid options.