Arsenal will be unable to end William Saliba’s loan spell with Saint Etienne in January.
Saliba is a registered Arsenal player, having signed for the London club during the summer but was immediately sent back to France in order to continue his development.
Reports this week claimed Arsenal were considering terminating Saliba’s loan spell as a solution to their own defensive issues.
Arsenal’s centre-backs, including summer signing David Luiz, have faced stern criticism recently with the likes of Shkodran Mustafi branded ‘uncoachable’ by Gary Neville.
The Athletic, however, have confirmed that Arsenal do not have the option to draft in Saliba, 18, before the end of the current season.
While Saliba is considered a future star, he has struggled with injury this season, making just seven appearances.
A hamstring problem kept Saliba sidelined at the start of the season and he did not play his first game until September.
Saliba reclaimed his spot at the heart of Saint-Etienne’s defence, but injury struck again in November when he broke his foot.
The Frenchman is yet to return to action and spent time at Arsenal earlier in the season while recovering from his hamstring injury.
Mikel Arteta revealed ahead of his first game in charge that Arsenal were looking to do business in January.
‘We had many other conversations,’ confirmed Arteta. ‘We have a meeting soon and some ideas but we have to put them together.’
