Mikel Arteta has once again stressed that William Saliba is in his plans at Arsenal as the Frenchman continues to be linked with a summer switch.
Saliba has been tipped to finally break into the Gunners first-team this term after impressing on loan at Marseille last year. Saliba clocked up 35 league appearances for the French giants, who were keen on striking a permanent deal for the former Saint-Etienne man.
Arteta has already gone public with his plans to integrate Saliba into the senior fold since his temporary spell in France ended, but that hasn't stopped speculation over the the defender's future. Saliba has just two years remaining on his current deal at the Emirates - and Arteta has insisted that the Gunners "have a plan" for the highly-rated centre-back.
When he was asked about Saliba's future after Arsenal's 3-1 win over Orlando City, Arteta said: "We always have a plan, and when we have to execute, that's a different story, and football is a really funny game, but we are really happy to have him. You can see the way he's adapted, the way he's matured, and he's playing well, and we are delighted to have him."
As well as Marseille, Barcelona are reportedly keeping tabs on Saliba as an alternative to Jules Kounde, who is seemingly closing in on a move to Chelsea. The Catalan giants have been chasing the Sevilla defender all summer.
Arsenal are aware of interest from elsewhere and are hoping to tie Saliba down to a new deal to try and fend off any suitors. However, it was claimed earlier this month that Saliba is 'unwilling' to agree to fresh terms unless he is a regular in north London.
Join the debate! Do you think Saliba should be a first-team regular for Arsenal next season? Let us know here.
Despite joining the club three years ago, Saliba has still yet to make a competitive senior appearance for the club. But he left fans purring with an assured display in the second half of the Gunners win over Orlando City.
Competition for a spot in Arsenal's defence is likely to be fierce in the upcoming Premier League campaign after Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White struck up a strong partnership following the latter's £50million arrival from Brighton last year.
But that hasn't deterred Saliba, who is determined to finally prove his worth to Arsenal fans after years in the wilderness. Speaking back in June, Saliba said: "I belong to Arsenal - and I still have two years there.
"I will be there for pre-season with Arsenal. I have played zero matches with Arsenal and I want to show them what I'm made of and have the chance to play for the supporters and for this big club."
