Mikel Arteta has suggested that William Saliba is set to stay at Arsenal with the transfer window closing on Friday afternoon, as per the Press Association's Mark Mann-Bryans.

Saliba arrived at Arsenal from Saint-Etienne last summer, in a deal worth around £27million, with the defender spending the remainder of the 2019/20 campaign back on loan with the Ligue 1 side.

The 19-year-old has since returned to the Emirates Stadium after an impressive loan spell in France, but he is yet to make an appearance under Mikel Arteta this term.

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Saliba was originally set to be loaned out to the Championship, with Norwich City and Brentford both being heavily linked with the centre-half.

The chances of him leaving Arsenal before Friday's deadline have decreased over the past couple of weeks, though, and Arteta has now cast doubt on an exit.

As per the Press Association's Mark Mann-Bryans, Arteta has suggested that Saliba is now set to stay at Arsenal and be involved in the first-team for the rest of the season.

The Verdict

This is undoubtedly a blow for both Brentford and Norwich. To bring in a player who cost around £27million last summer would have been some cup, albeit on loan.

Saliba may well be needed by Arsenal this season, as it's a long, old season and there are so many games ahead of the Gunners.

They have plenty of talented options at the back including Gabriel and Rob Holding, but if Saliba works hard, he could well force his way into Arteta's side.