Arsenal defender William Saliba has raised the prospect of staying in France beyond the end of the season.

The 21-year-old is currently on loan at Marseille and, when asked if he will remain in Ligue One after the end of his spell at the Stade Velodrome, he replied:

“There is always a chance. I do not hide that I am very happy in Marseille. I have developed, I have passed a milestone. If I make it into France’s squad it’s thanks to Marseille, because there is a lot of visibility. They are a very big club with a lot of pressure, but when you’re good there are a lot of good things that happen to you. We will see in May or June depending on the discussions. Today, my future, I don’t know what it is.”

With Marseille having been handed a one-year transfer ban, the possibility of Saliba staying where he is at the moment is very unlikely, unless his current team win an appeal against FIFA’s decision.

The way the defender is speaking, though, it does suggest he may be interested in remaining with another team in Ligue One, although he was at pains to say that no decision had been made on his future.

Reports in England have indicated that the Gunners will try to extend Saliba’s contract this summer, with the player reaching the final two years of his current deal at the Emirates. It remains to be seen whether he’ll sign it or demand a move.