William Saliba was back at London Colney on Friday.
The French defender joined Arsenal for £27m during the summer transfer window but was immediately loaned back to Ligue 1 outfit Saint-Etienne for the season to continue his development.
However, the teenager is yet to make a competitive appearance for his loan club thus far.
This is due to undergoing surgery last month to fix an abductor injury and has been out of action ever since.
Although, with Saliba training at Arsenal ahead of their Premier League clash against Watford on Sunday afternoon it's clear that he's closing in on a return.
In a statement on the club website, Arsenal wrote: 'William Saliba is currently back with us as part of his rehabilitation programme from a recent groin injury.'
Saliba was put through his paces at London Colney on Friday afternoon and fans will have to wait until next season to see him training with the likes of Matteo Guendouzi, Kieran Tierney and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
He explained his reason for rejoining Saint-Etienne on loan.
"Well, it was important first of all because I wanted to prove myself for another year at Saint-Etienne, before I come to try and establish myself here at Arsenal," he said.
"This is a big club, and when you come here, you need to be ready.
"So I'm going to try and have a great season with the club that developed me in order to be ready for Arsenal."
Ahead of Saliba's permanent return to the capital, it would appear Arsenal may have spoiled a big announcement.
The defender was seen training in the no.17 shirt, will that be his squad number next season? It's possible as Alex Iwobi's summer move to Everton means that number is vacant.
