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.
