Arsenal defender William Saliba has thrived out on loan at Marseille this season
(Picture: REUTERS)Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are “really happy” with their decision to loan William Saliba to Marseille after the defender made his senior France debut last week.
The Gunners sent Saliba to the Ligue 1 club on a season-long deal last summer, with Arteta explaining that they could not guarantee him the minutes he wanted.
The 21-year-old centre-back has thrived at Marseille, earning a call-up to France’s senior squad and featuring in both March friendlies against Ivory Coast and South Africa.
And Arteta is delighted by the way the loan has panned out.
“Obviously we are really aware of what he is doing, how he is developing. He is our player,” said Arteta.
“I think we are really happy with the decision that we made because again the exposure and minutes and responsibility on his growth at his age is something that we could not guarantee him this season.
“And it makes a lot of sense what is happening with him. We are glad to see the way he is improving.”
