Marseille are reportedly growing increasingly optimistic that they can complete a move for William Saliba, despite Mikel Arteta making it clear the defender is part of his plans at Arsenal.
Saliba enjoyed a successful loan spell at the Orange Velodrome last season, becoming a key part of their starting line-up. He made 51 appearances in all competitions to help Marseille secure a second-placed finish in Ligue 1 and reach the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League.
With Arteta having previously shown little sign of bringing Saliba into his plans, it was thought that Marseille may be able to sign the Frenchman permanently. Those hopes were soon dashed though, with Saliba appearing to do enough in pre-season to be handed a place in the Gunners' squad.
That has not deterred Marseille though, who are continuing their chase for the 21-year-old. The French side replaced boss Jorge Sampaoli, who was a huge fan of Saliba, with Igor Tudor earlier this summer.
Despite that change, it appears that Saliba remains a key target for the summer transfer window. According to L'Equipe, club president Pablo Longoria flew out to London for talks with the defender's representatives earlier this week.
At that meeting, the duo discussed a potential transfer move for Saliba from Arsenal to Marseille. It is stated that Les Phoceens are continuing to monitor his situation and remain 'surprisingly optimistic' about capturing the centre-back.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Arsenal keep William Saliba or sell him to Marseille? Comment below.
That optimism comes despite Arteta making it clear that he views Saliba as a key part of his plans for the upcoming campaign. The Frenchman has started two games so far this pre-season, coming on as a substitute in another.
He formed a solid partnership with Gabriel last Sunday as the Gunners kept a clean sheet in their thrashing of Chelsea. And following that clash, Arteta hailed the 21-year-old for his performance.
"I am really pleased to see the way he is playing, the way he has adapted to the team, the maturity that he's shown at 21 years old, carry on doing it. We will keep developing him, he has huge potential, he is already a top player and we have to make him even better. He looked ready to me today," he said.
With Pablo Mari set to leave the Gunners this summer, Saliba will likely receive a substantial amount of game-time. He will be behind Ben White and Gabriel in the pecking order but will battle Rob Holding for the third-choice position.
Given his impressive performances in pre-season and Arteta's high praise of him, it is difficult to see Marseille succeeding in their pursuit. While the French club holds a place in Saliba's heart, the 21-year-old will likely be keen to test himself in the Premier League, especially in light of Arteta making it clear he will play.
