William Saliba won’t be returning to Arsenal when the January transfer window opens, according to Telefoot reporter Julien Maynard

The centre-back is currently on a season-long loan at Marseille and he has been performing well for the Ligue One club, but Maynard claims there is no option for the Gunners to recall him in the New Year:

“According to our information, despite some rumors, there is no question for William Saliba to leave OM this winter. The defender will remain Marseille at least until the end of the season.”

Selon nos informations, malgré certaines rumeurs, il n’est pas question pour William Saliba de quitter l’OM cet hiver. Le défenseur restera marseillais au moins jusqu’au terme de la saison. @telefoot_TF1

— Julien Maynard (@JulienMaynard) October 17, 2021

Saliba’s performances in France have left many questioning the wisdom of sending the 20-year-old out on loan for the whole campaign. Many supporters believe he is ready to start for Arsenal now, and there was no need for the defender to gain more experience before playing for the London club.

Ben White and Gabriel have performed pretty well, for the most part, this season but if Saliba was also in the squad, it would have given manager Mikel Arteta some much-needed competition in the centre of defence.

It will be hoped that the France Under 21 international is given a chance to prove himself when he returns to the Emirates next summer.