Mikel Arteta has already given Marseille an answer as they look to make their loan move for William Saliba permanent in the summer.
The Arsenal defender is excelling on loan in the south of France and has been one of the best defenders in Ligue 1 over the course of the campaign.
There are question marks over his long-term future at the Gunners, however, and whether he will return to the fold next season.
Saliba has yet to make a competitive appearance for Arsenal despite the fact the north Londoners shelled out £27million for the 20-year-old in the summer of 2019.
There is a chance Arsenal could cash in on the defender while his stock is high which is something Marseille would like to explore given how well he has performed for the French side.
Marseille president Pablo Longoria has announced his intentions to sign him, despite Arteta already giving a verdict on his future.
"It’s a three-way question. For the club that owns the player, Arsenal, the player and Marseille," Longoria told Le10Sport when speaking about the possibility of signing Saliba.
"We have to see our possibilities. He is very happy here, we are very satisfied with his performance.
"William is one of the best young defenders I have seen in my career. After all, everything depends on the three parties.
"It’s a matter of market value. But we have extraordinary relations with Arsenal."
Arteta has already provided an answer to Longoria and Marseille, however, as the Spaniard made it clear Saliba would be a part of his plans next season as explained his reasons for sending him out on loan.
"I know that sometimes it’s difficult to explain or understand after the money that the club has spent trying to bring him in, to send him on loan," the Arsenal boss said when speaking about Saliba.
"But a lot of things have happened to him he’s a long-term player for us and we need to protect him as well. And giving him three or four games is not enough.
"He’s very happy to go there now. Hopefully, he can enjoy his football and be ready for us for next season."
Arsenal fans have kept a close eye on Saliba in Ligue 1 so far this season and they will hope Arteta will stay true to his word as they look forward to seeing him in a red and white shirt next term.
