WILLIAM SALIBA has hinted that he does not want to move back to Arsenal if he isn't offered a regular place in the first team.
The 21-year-old joined the Gunners in 2019 for a fee of around £27million.
Despite signing a long-term deal at the time, he has only made a handful of appearances for the club.
He has been loaned out three times since his arrival, to Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille.
The defender received his first senior international call-up last month amid a breakthrough season, and now Arsenal are planning to make him a permanent fixture in the first team.
However, Saliba has his reservations about moving back to the Premier League and has also made it clear that he will not be happy with just sitting on the bench.
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When speaking to L'Equipe, he said: "They (Arsenal) are often in contact with my agent and send me messages.
"They watch my matches. They tell me to continue like this. The coach made his choices, that's life.
"I left on loan, played more matches and thanks to my performances, I became an international."
Saliba also admitted that his initial rejection from the starting line-up made him a better player.
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He added: "What happened to me helped forge a mental toughness.
"You don't play just because you cost £27million. I take it positively. Even if there are times when you ask yourself questions.
"For six months, I saw that I was the the only one in the group not to play, it hurt.
"I'm sure I can't just be on the bench at Arsenal and be happy. I want to play as a starter.
"Afterwards, if I come into the rotation as a substitute, it's not like staying with the Under-23s and never being in the squad."
While Arsenal are keen to bring him back to North London, Marseille are looking to keep him in France.
Saliba helped the Ligue 1 side soar up to second in the table, and he has loved every minute of his time at the club so far.
He said: "This club and the supporters are magnificent so I want to make the most of it by the end of the season, as if I'm not going to come back.
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"There are two months left, I want to savour every moment, especially at home.
"After that, we'll see. If I come back, it will be with great, great pleasure."
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