Saliba contacts two Arsenal teammates and gives clear indication of summer plans

William Saliba has made it clear he wants to fight for his Arsenal future as he prepares to take English lessons ahead of his return to the Emirates.

The French defender joined Marseille on a season-long loan in the summer, a contentious decision, given that he hasn't made a competitive appearance for the club since making the £27million move from St Etienne in 2019.

It's Saliba's third loan spell since arriving at the Emirates which suggested that he was not a part of Mikel Arteta 's plans going forward

The Spaniard also signed Ben White for £50m which was another indication he was surplus to requirements.

But the Gunners are adamant that he will have a chance to stake a claim upon his return next season as he has become one of the best defenders in Ligue 1 this term.

William Saliba has been impressing for Marseille this season ( Image:

Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

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From Saliba's perspective, it's pretty straightforward as, despite reports he is upset about the treatment he has received, The Telegraph claims Saliba intends to fight for the jersey next season and prove that he is good enough to play for Arsenal.

He is putting himself in the best position to do that on the pitch, but off of it as well.

Saliba will shortly begin English lessons to help improve his language skills ahead of his return.

The defender has not distanced himself from the group despite being fully focused on Marseille.

He remains in contact with his Arsenal teammates including close friends Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah.

Martin Keown spoke exclusively to Mirror Football about Arsenal's strategy behind Saliba's development as the pundit defended the club's cautious approach.

William Saliba played the best game of his career against PSG ( Image:

Lionel Hahn/Getty Images)

He said "He's come in at a difficult time when there were a lot of managers in a short space of time.

"I don't see that necessarily as a problem. It's about bringing him back in and him still believing he is an Arsenal player.

"That message will come from the manager. This season will be really good for him, we can see what a quality player he is. Hopefully, he gets another chance to prove he can play in that first team."

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Asked if he will be in Arteta's plans next term, Keown added: "You would like to think so.

"That needs to be the ideal situation for the manager that he has a difficult job picking that back four where Tierney is the best left-back at the club, but Tavares has made that a bit more difficult for the manager.

"It seems like Gabriel and White are the main two, but Saliba is doing exceptionally well.

"It will be healthy if he comes back and creates competition and gives tough decisions for the manager. The top clubs have that, look at Man City with Laporte, Diaz and Stones. That's why they are the current Premier League champions."