Mikel Arteta wants William Saliba to be part of his first-team squad next season and wants to keep him at the Emirates even beyond this season.
According to reports, the Gunners are impressed with the Frenchman and are prepared to offer him a new deal this summer.
Despite joining Arsenal in 2019 from Saint-Etienne in a deal worth £27m, Saliba is yet to play for the Gunners. He has never played a Premier League game for the club, as he has spent the majority of his time back in France on loan with Saint-Etienne, Nice, and most recently, Marseille.
The 21-year-old spent last season on loan in Marseille. It was voted Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year after helping the Ligue 1 side to finish second in the league standings.
His impressive showing also earned a place in Didier Deschamps’ French squad, and he has already won five caps at the senior level.
He will return to north London, aiming to become a big part of Arteta’s plans. But, he is anxious that the right opportunities await him at the Emirates Stadium.
According to reports, by 90min, Saliba is happy to return to Arsenal and even commit to a new deal. But he wants reassurance that he will be one of the first names on the team, especially as he wants to be part of the French team that will go to the World Cup later this year.
Ben White and Gabriel are currently Arsenal’s number one centre-back pairing. However, the Gunners are also in talks with Ajax over Lisandro Martinez, meaning competition for places will be intense.
A move back to Marseille is also possible for Saliba, and the French club will offer him Champions League football–something that is not available at the Emirates. But he wants to remain in London as long as he is guaranteed game time.
