Arsenal news: Marseille chief outlines William Saliba plan after Mikel Arteta stance

Marseille president Pablo Longoria has thanked Arsenal for sending William Saliba out on loan last season as they try and negotiate a permanent switch for the highly-rated defender.

The 21-year-old has impressed at the French club, making 52 appearances across all competitions and was also awarded with the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year for his efforts. However, Saliba is now set to return to the Gunners for the start of the 2022/23 season.

Les Phocéens have other ideas, though, and are hoping to keep the France international permanently. Longoria admitted he already knows the "possibilities" behind Saliba's contract and added he is hoping to open talks with the Gunners as they try and sign the centre-back.

Longoria told RMC Sports : "We had a lot of conversations analysing William Saliba’s season, especially in the last few days. He’s coming off an extraordinary season, with one of the highest number of matches played in Europe.

"He also joined the France team, which is incredible at his age. We discussed a lot internally about what we can do, to find out what the possibilities are.

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