Sources: Major update on William Saliba future at Arsenal after new twist
Arsenal are not planning a first-choice role for loan star William Saliba this summer, Football Insider understands.
There is even the possibility that the London giants could sell the centre-back if they receive the right offer.
An Arsenal source has told Football Insider that Mikel Arteta has no plans to break up the central defensive partnership of Ben White and Gabriel.
Saliba is in line to join as back-up when he returns to his parent club after an impressive season on loan at Marseille.
The defender has yet to make a competitive appearance for the Gunners following his £27million move from Saint-Etienne in the summer of 2019.
Marseille have told Arsenal in talks that they are keen to convert Saliba’s loan into a permanent deal.
But he is currently in line to return to Arsenal at the end of the season.
Saliba is under contract at the Emirates Stadium until June 2024.
The defender has played 33 times in Ligue 1 this term and has featured regularly in European competitions.
Saliba has been virtually ever-present during loan spells at Saint-Etienne, OGC Nice, and Marseille in the last few seasons.
As quoted by the Mirror (2 April), Arteta insisted he is “really happy” with his decision to allow the defender to develop his game further in his homeland – and confirmed he is “aware” of the Frenchman’s progress.
The centre-back made his senior debut for France during last month’s international break.
Arsenal sit fourth in the Premier League and are back in the driving seat to secure Champions League football.
The Gunners face rivals West Ham and Tottenham during their final five games of the season.
In other news, pundit hands Arsenal stark warning after “big” Darwin Nunez update.