Saliba responds to latest questions over Arsenal future with ace 'happy' at Marseille

The 20-year-old has established himself in the heart of the Marseille defence under head coach Jorge Sampaoli, since joining the French club on loan in the summer.

Saliba has played 21 times in all competitions as the Olympians sit second in Ligue 1.

Much was expected of Saliba when he joined Arsenal from Saint-Etienne for £27million in the summer of 2019, but the France international his yet to make a competitive appearance for the Gunners.

The centre-back returned to Saint-Etienne on loan for the 2019/20 campaign, before joining Nice in the second half of last season.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta opted to send Saliba out again in the summer and he joined Marseille following the £50m arrival of Ben White from Brighton.

The Frenchman's contract expires in 2024, with the possibility of being offered a new deal at Arsenal.

Recent reports have claimed Marseille could look to land Saliba in a permanent deal at the end of the season, with the young defender clearly happy and settled at the club.

But, when asked about his future, Saliba snubbed any speculation as to where he will be playing his football next season.

"I prefer not to speak about my future, but I'm very good here," he told RTL.

"I don't regret my decision. I have been very happy since day one.

"I have one year here and I am going to give my all."

Arteta insisted in October that Saliba remains part of his long-term plans at the club after he produced an impressive display in Marseille's goalless draw with Paris Saint-Germain.

The defender was even described by the Marseille manager as a 'future great of French football' after that match, where he helped shut out Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi.

And Arteta has hinted he could return to the Emirates in the summer.

He said at the time: "Yes, as a club we are always in touch.

"Edu and Ben [Knapper] were there to watch him and keep a close eye on him the progress he's making.

"He's obviously our player and we do that with all the loan players that we have."

The Spaniard was questioned about the Frenchman's uphill battle to cement a regular first-team spot with the Gunners and added: "That's a decision that we will make next summer.

"He's our player and naturally that will happen. We'll have to sit down and decide what the best next step is."