Arsenal make U-turn on William Saliba loan decision?

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has decided against sending William Saliba out on loan before the EFL transfer deadline on Friday.

The Frenchman signed for the Gunners from Saint-Etienne last summer, but he was instantly loaned back to the Ligue 1 side for the season.

However, his campaign was far from successful due to injuries and he made just 17 appearances across all competitions.

Since his return, Saliba has failed to make his competitive debut for the Gunners and it was recently claimed that he could be loaned out.

A number of Championship sides have been linked with his services, but The Athletic claims that Arteta is prepared to keep hold of Saliba until January.

Saliba has yet to convince Arteta that he is ready for first-team action, but the Spaniard is prepared to assess his Under-23 displays in the coming months.

Should there be no improvement, the 19-year-old could be sent on loan when the transfer window reopens at the turn of the year.