William Saliba will be given a fair crack of the whip this summer at Arsenal - regardless of whether Mikel Arteta signs Ben White. The Frenchman spent the second half of last season on loan at Nice, where he rebuilt his confidence and send a clear message to his parent club.
Saliba was initially signed by Unai Emery and then immediately return to St-Etienne on loan for another season.
Given Arsenal's defensive issues, it seemed a given that Saliba would get his chance in the limelight in north London but so far, it's not been meant to be.
Now his chances of playing regularly at Arsenal could be set to take another hit.
The Athletic claim Arsenal are ready to move for England defender Ben White.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Arteta did remain coy though when asked where Saliba featured in his plans.
"You will see in the summer, the possible replacement," Arteta said.
"William is our player for sure and that's the decision we're going to be taking soon.
"When we finish the season we will sit down and discuss the roles of every member in our squad and how they can fulfil that role.
"He is our player so he'll be back here for sure.
William Saliba will get a chance to shine at Arsenal (Image: GETTY)
"After that, we will make a decision based on an agreement of the role each player is going to have in our squad."
Loan manager Ben Knapper has been in close contact with Saliba during his time with Nice.
Arteta will need Saliba to show exactly why he deserves to be part of his squad this summer.
The Spaniard was unconvinced by 20-year-old at the start of last season and decided that he would be better off playing his football with the under-23s.
Since then, Saliba has not been shy to speak out on the Arsenal manager, something that could affect his fate.