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William Saliba’s loan with Marseille has effectively come to a close. The young French defender played what will be his final competitive match of the season for Marseille as he is suspended for the final Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg.

The game has significance for Marseille after their 2-0 loss to Rennes. This meant should they lose on the final day and Les Rouge et Noir beat Lille, who have nothing to play for, the Arsenal loanees’ side will drop out of the Champions League qualification places.

Saliba’s future has continued to be in the balance throughout his time in France. His relationship with his parent club has not been an encouraging one.

That said, it appears as his loan with OM concludes that this is the most hopeful period that a future with Arsenal will be the next step. A report by La Provence via Sport Witness has claimed that Arsenal are planning next season with Saliba in their team.

Even going as far as to say they are ‘counting on him.’ This is the type of encouragement that Saliba has been looking for after being told by Mikel Arteta that he wasn’t ready prior to his loan spells with Nice and Marseille.

This revelation makes sense however considering in one of the 20-year-old’s most recent interviews he spoke of being more open to a rotational role. It was clear his stint in