William Saliba drops hint over Arsenal future with Marseille transfer admission

The defender signed for Arsenal in 2019 but is yet to make an appearance for the Gunners after going on three different loan spells.

Saliba is due to return to north London at the end of the season to fight for a starting spot under Mikel Arteta but his latest comments suggest he could be focused on staying in his homeland.

‘My wish is to finish the season well, to leave on a good note in case I don’t come back,’ Saliba said.

‘It would be my pleasure to come back no matter what, it’s not as if I know I’m not going to come back, it’s Marseille, it’s my club.’

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a successful season in Ligue 1 with his performances earning him a call up to the France national team, subsequently earning his first cap earlier this year.

At Arsenal, Arteta has used Ben White and Gabriel as his centre-back pairing for the majority of the season with Rob Holding also filling in.

Saliba will have to impress in pre-season if given the chance to earn his place in Arteta’s side and that looks tricky given Gabriel and Holding enjoying form and both scoring in the 2-1 win over West Ham on Sunday.

‘He was great. He was man of the match?’ Arteta told Sky Sports after today’s game.

‘Yes. He scored a goal and his contribution overall, all season, when he plays, when he don’t play, when he needs to play five minutes or he starts, he’s always there.

‘He’s a joy of a boy to have.’

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