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I can't remember the last time so much anticipation and uncertainty surrounded an Arsenal loanee, but what I do know is when the future of William Saliba is settled, Arsenal fans will either be relieved or very disappointed.

The defender was signed from Saint-Etienne for a reported fee of around £27m back in 2019 but is still waiting to make his Arsenal first-team debut after being loaned out on three different occasions.

Viewed as one of the most talented young centre-backs in the world, Saliba has gone from strength to strength over the past few years, especially this season at Olympique Marseille. A number of impressive performances have seen the 21-year-old pick up several Player of the Month awards, before eventually being nominated for Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year.

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It's been a 2021/22 campaign which has also led to him receiving his first senior France call up and debut. As much as his development and success are great to see, it begs the question - what happens next?

Marseille boss Jorge Sampaoli has admitted that he hopes the club can 'retain' Saliba, while its president Pablo Longoria has also hinted at his preference for the player to stay put. However, a recent report from Marseille-based