Arsenal are expected to hold preliminary talks with William Saliba over a new contract as the club review the situation, according to reports.

The Gunners signed the 20-year-old in 2019 but he has yet to make a competitive appearance for the first-team with his only games coming for the Under-23s and in pre-season friendlies.

Since his arrival at the Emirates, the defender has spent three loan spells back in Ligue 1, first at St. Etienne, then Nice and Marseille this season.

The Frenchman has impressed in Marseille this term, making 36 appearances for the second-place Ligue 1 side.

Marseille are reportedly keen to bring him on board on a permanent deal this summer but Saliba is said to want to remain at Arsenal to prove himself, according to football.london.

Saliba’s current deal expires in 2024 and Arsenal are reportedly set to open preliminary discussions over a new contract towards the end of his loan deal at Marseille.

Playing time has been the main issue for the youngster in the past but he could be used in rotation alongside £50million-signing Ben White and Gabriel, if the Gunners qualify for European football next season.

Saliba has also been deployed at right back by Marseille at times during this campaign and could cover that position on his return to Arsenal with Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Hector Bellerin both set to leave in summer.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta indicated Saliba was still part of his plans back in September.

‘He will come back for pre-season and he will be with us,’ he said.

‘Hopefully he will come back after playing a number of games and his performance raising and his development progressing in the right way. That’s why we made that decision.

‘I know that sometimes it’s difficult to explain or understand after the money that the club has spent trying to bring him in, to send him on loan.’