Arsenal defender William Sailba is “closer and closer” to returning to Saint-Etienne on loan, according to But! Football Club.

The French website claims the 19-year-old is growing impatient after being overlooked by manager Mikel Arteta despite the fact that the Gunners have had a number of centre-backs out injured in recent weeks.

Saliba was close to moving to Saint-Etienne on a temporary basis last month but it is thought that the paperwork needed for the loan deal to go ahead was not submitted before the transfer deadline.

It was then reported that Arsenal opted against loaning the teenager out to a Championship side but But! Football Club claim it was the player who refused to leave for a team in the second tier of English football.

A move back to Saint-Etienne on loan in the January transfer window does seem to be the likeliest outcome for Saliba at the moment. The situation is very strange with the Frenchman having yet to make his debut for the Gunners despite the London club having shelled out £27m on the player.