Arsenal defender William Saliba is expected to join Marseille on a season-long loan, according to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein.

The reliable journalist reports that the 20-year-old has opted for the Ligue One side, above other interested clubs, including Newcastle and Lille:

? Exclusive: Arsenal defender William Saliba looks set to join Marseille on loan. Not done but 20yo has picked #OM from many options & now clubs need to agree deal. #AFC want him to get full season playing — still part of long-term thinking @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/RemZlyyb5J

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 2, 2021

Ornstein has cited two key reasons why the Gunners have decided to send Saliba out on loan once again. Firstly, they don’t deem the six months he spent at Nice last season as sufficient experience to warrant being given game time in the Premier League.

Manager Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff want to see how he performs over a full campaign, without any injuries, to determine whether he is ready for first-team football in England.

Secondly, with Ben White likely to join from Brighton, and with no European football next season, Saliba would have to compete for a place with at least five other centre-backs, and the feeling is he would be better off playing every week at another team.