Arteta says he’s made decision over ‘talented’ 19-year-old Arsenal player

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Mikel Arteta has confirmed to Arsenal’s official website that William Saliba will be staying at the Emirates Stadium this season.

Saliba was heavily linked with a move away from Arsenal on loan, with the centre-back originally thought to be close to joining a Championship side.

However, Arteta has now had a change of heart about Saliba’s future.

And he says that the former St. Etienne man will be staying at Arsenal now.

“Yes,” Arteta responded, when asked whether Saliba would be staying yesterday.

The reasoning behind Arteta’s change of heart is not yet clear.

Saliba, who was described as a ‘talented’ player by fellow new recruit Gabriel (Arsenal.com), does appear to have some work to do if he is to force his way into Arsenal’s team though, even if he is sticking around.

There was great excitement about Saliba’s arrival at Arsenal this term, but he surprisingly seems a long way down the pecking order right now.

Arteta has favoured the likes of David Luiz, Gabriel and Rob Holding to Saliba so far this season, which means the youngster’s game time could be limited, unless something dramatic changes.