Rennes manager Julien Stephan has claimed William Saliba is “an option” amid reports Arsenal are willing to loan him out.
The 19-year-old defender joined the Gunners from Saint-Etienne last summer and spent the 2019/20 season back on loan with the French club.
After impressing in Ligue 1 last term, it was expected that Saliba would be in and around the first team this season, fighting for a spot in the starting 11.
But Saliba is yet to play a minute for the senior side and now reports have emerged that he could be set for another spell away from the Emirates Stadium.
According to Goal, Arsenal are willing to let the centre-back leave on loan, with the report adding initial talks had been held with Rennes.
Those reports have now been substantiated by Rennes boss Stephan.
“William Saliba is an option,” he said, as reported by GFFN.
“He is an interesting player, he is coming out of an appealing season with Saint-Etienne, even if it seems more complicated with Arsenal.”
The comments will likely come as a shock to Arsenal fans, who were hoping to see more of Saliba in a new-look defence that includes summer signing Gabriel Magalhaes.
Arteta was asked whether he would consider sending Saliba back out on loan at Friday’s pre-Sheffield United press conference.
“Last night I explained the difficult year the player had and the plan we had for him, for that transition year that we could not achieve,” he said.
“We are looking at different options to try to protect our intentions with William for the future. To both be aligned and make the best decisions for now and for the future.”
