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Marseille boss Jorge Sampaoli has expressed his "hope" over keeping Arsenal defender William Saliba beyond the end of the season.

The Frenchman joined the Ligue 1 side at the start of the season by signing a loan deal until the end of the campaign. The former Saint-Etienne man has impressed in his home country throughout the season.

The 21-year-old has made 50 appearances in all competitions under Sampaoli so far and has played a key role in the French side’s run to the Europa Conference League semi-finals, whilst Les Olympiens are currently occupying second in the Ligue 1 standings with just two matches of the season remaining.

With his loan deal set to expire in just a few weeks’ time, Sampaoli has praised Saliba’s development throughout the campaign, whilst also expressing his desire to keep the defender at the Stade Velodrome.

He said: “William’s progress is linked to his development this season and the maturity he now has and his playing time. He is now consistent, he’s grown up as a player.

“In relation to his situation at the club, I hope that there is a possibility for us to retain a player like him, who knows the team. But I don’t know if it depends on OM, William or Arsenal, I don’t know the possibilities in this case.”

Saliba, 21, joined Arsenal in the summer of 2019 but is yet to make his debut for the north London side. He has embarked on three separate loan deals