Arsenal chiefs have reportedly accepted there is 'no future' for William Saliba at the club so long as Mikel Arteta is in charge.
The £27million defender is yet to make a single appearance for the Gunners after returning from a one-year loan spell back at Saint-Etienne.
Saliba was thought to be in line for a regular role in Arteta's side this season, but the Arsenal boss feels the centre-back still needs a "transition year" to get him up to speed.
The 19-year-old only made 17 appearances for Saint-Etienne last season - less than Arsenal expected.
He could now be sent on loan in January, but Eurosport report Saliba faces a battle to realise his Arsenal dream while Arteta is at the helm.
Saliba was signed prior to Arteta's appointment as manager under the regime of former boss Unai Emery.
It was hoped the year back on loan in France would give Saliba further time to develop, but Arsenal bosses are of the opinion he is not yet at the level required for him to play in the Premier League.
Since sealing his transfer to The Emirates, Arsenal have also added Pablo Mari and Gabriel to their squad, pushing Saliba further down the pecking order.
His troubles were made worse earlier this week when he was sent off for Arsenal under-21's as they were eliminated from the Papa John's trophy to AFC Wimbledon.
The Gunners are said to be open to offers for Saliba to go on loan, and Arteta says a decision will be made soon, though did offer the youngster some hope of making the grade at Arsenal in the future.
Asked when fans could expect to see Saliba in first-team action, Arteta replied: "Whenever we have the spaces and we believe that he’s ready to play with us.
“To be fair, he’s made massive improvements in the last few months and it’s been a really tricky situation for him.
“As I mentioned before, we designed a pathway for him and there were a lot of things that happened to him in his personal life and professionally as well.
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“Now we’ve made some steps forwards, he’s working really hard and played for the under-21s again.
“That was a good game because Martinelli finally came back for 45 minutes, so I think it was a really positive day for us in terms of that.”
Pressed on Saliba's potential exit in January, Arteta said: "It’s something that we are discussing at the moment, what’s the best thing for us to do.
“It will be decided soon.”
