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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reinforced his stance that defender William Saliba is in his plans for the future. It comes after the Frenchman was linked with an exit from the club once again this summer.

Saliba, 21, enjoyed a successful loan spell at Marseille in the previous campaign where he guided the side to second in Ligue 1 and won the Young Player of the Year award - previously held by the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni. The youngster’s return to the Emirates Stadium has created uncertainty though, given his understandable desire to play first-team football.

With Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes the preferred partnership in central defence last season, it remains to be seen where Saliba will fit in. However, he has outlined his desire to fight for his place, telling the official Arsenal website: “We [Saliba and Arteta] spoke a little bit on Monday and will speak more. My plan is to fight and work with the team, win as much as possible, and grow more.

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“It feels good to be back and starting pre-season. I’m so excited to continue training and playing in the friendly games. It’s important to be here with the fans, as well as my teammates. I hope we’ll enjoy some good training and games which is important