Arsenal to recall French defender in January

Arsenal are reportedly hopeful of recalling William Saliba from his loan stint at Saint-Etienne following a long-term injury for Calum Chambers against Chelsea.

Chambers suffered a knee ligament injury during the recent league clash at the Emirates Stadium and he is now expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

According to The Mail, Arteta is said to be eyeing reinforcements in the central defensive department and Saliba is a possible option to be recalled from Saint-Etienne.

Saliba was purchased from Saint-Etienne for £27m over the summer but the agreement was only reached after the Gunners agreed to loan him back to the French outfit for the campaign.

The Frenchman has since endured an injury-plagued season with the Ligue 1 side but he is likely to return to action from a broken foot following the winter break.

At present, the Gunners can't recall the defender due to the absence of a clause but they are hopeful of negotiating an additional sum to release him from the temporary deal.