William Saliba has revealed that he's in regular contact with Arsenal - and wants to be a starter when he returns to the club. The 21-year-old joined the Gunners all the way back in the summer of 2019, but is still yet to make his senior competitive debut for Mikel Arteta's side, with his only appearances coming for the under-23s and in pre-season friendlies.
With the arrival of £50 million signing Ben White in the summer and Gabriel forming a solid partnership next to him, there remains a possibility that Saliba could be used as a rotational option if the Gunners qualify for Europe.
Saliba could also offer cover at right back having spent time in the position while at Marseille, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Hector Bellerin both set to leave permanently this summer
Having recently made his national team debut for France and produced a series of accomplished performances at the heart of Marseille's defence, Saliba remains determined to play regular football wherever he ends up next season.
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"They are often in contact with my agent," Saliba told L'Equipe.
"They send me messages. They watch my matches. They tell me to continue like this. I haven't played much with the Gunners. The coach [Mikel Arteta] made his choices, that's life. I left on loan, I played matches and, thanks to my performances, I became a [senior] international.
"What happened to me helped forge a mental toughness. You don't play just because you cost €30million. I take it positively. Even if there are times when you ask yourself questions.
"For six months, I saw that I was the the only one in the group not to play, it hurt.
"I'm sure I can't just be on the bench at Arsenal and be happy. I want to play as a starter. Afterwards, if I come into the rotation as a substitute, it's not like staying with the Under-23s and never being in the squad."
Saliba, who joined from Saint-Etienne for £30m two years ago, sees his current deal expires in the summer of 2024 and as first reported by football.london preliminary talks will be opened towards the end of his loan spell with Marseille.
However, the France international admits that he is open to extending his stay with Marseille if the opportunity arises.
"This club and the supporters are magnificent so I want to make the most of it by the end of the season, as if I'm not going to come back.
"There are two months left, I want to savour every moment, especially at home. After that, we'll see. If I come back, it will be with great, great pleasure."
