A pair of updates surrounding the personnel situation at Premier League giants Arsenal have come to the fore late on Thursday evening.

The first pertains to the future of on-loan defender William Saliba.

Amid a starring stint back in his home country of France with Olympique Marseille, highly-regarded Gunners talent Saliba was once more drawn on whether or not he expects to return to base in north London upon the conclusion of the campaign.

Saliba, though, was keen to keep his cards close to his chest.

In quotes unveiled by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 20-year-old admitted that, as things stand, his focus remains solely on the situation at Marseille, with plenty of time remaining ‘to think about’ his future:

Juve stay

Next comes a fresh insight into the situation of a long-time target on the part of the Gunners.

The player in question? Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo.

Brazilian international Arthur has of course been tipped to make the move to the Emirates throughout the winter transfer window, amid efforts on the part of Mikel Arteta and co. to add some much-needed depth to the club’s ranks in the middle of the park.

To this point, however, an agreement has not been found with Juventus, all the more frustrating when taking into account the fact that the Bianconeri just this week nabbed Fiorentina sensation Dusan Vlahovic from under the noses of Arsenal.

William Saliba speaks out over Arsenal future as fresh Arthur update surfaces

FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 17: Dusan Vlahovic of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Genoa CFC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on January 17, 2022 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Arthur’s situation, though, appears unlikely to change any time soon, amid claims on the part of the Daily Mail that the former Barcelona man is inching ever closer to staying put for the remainder of the campaign.

This comes as the transfer chiefs at the Allianz Stadium continue to demand an 18-month loan deal, rather than the six-month terms on offer from Arsenal.

In addition, as has long been common knowledge, the Bianconeri are hesitant to sanction Arthur’s departure without first securing a replacement for the 25-year-old.

 

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