Arsenal have made it clear to William Saliba’s agent that they’re still counting on him long-term, but he’s expected to go on loan this summer.

TheAFCBell report that Arsenal made it clear to William Saliba’s agent in a recent meeting that they’re still counting on the player. They excluded a permanent sale from the equation, but Saliba is expected to leave this summer on loan.

The two parties agreed to assess the situation again next season, so it’s just about finding Saliba a move now.

The latest from L’Equipe (via GFFN) is that the player is ready to join Marseille on loan if they can find a deal with Arsenal, but that hasn’t happened yet.

L’Equipe previously claimed there should be an option to buy in the deal, but this has since been shot down by pretty much every source out there.

As well as TheAFCBell denying a permanent sale is on the cards, David Ornstein said he wasn’t aware of any option to buy and it wouldn’t be as low as L’Equipe were reporting anyway (€10m).

Chris Wheatley said it would be a simple loan with no obligation or option to buy. Fabrizio Romano claims there’s no buy option on the table in the loan discussions.

Charles Watts technically didn’t take a position on the purchase option discussion in his article for Goal, but he referred to the deal as a loan for the coming season with discussions ongoing. There was certainly no mention of a permanent move in any form.

So if and when Arsenal agree a deal with Marseille, expect it to be a straight loan for this season only.