Arsenal star set for departure

Mikel Arteta has not ruled out William Saliba leaving Arsenal on loan to provide him with regular gametime.

The 19-year-old defender is yet to feature for the Gunners this term and it has been suggested that a loan move could be on the cards.

Rennes in his native France has emerged as a possible loan destination for the former Saint-Etienne youngster.

Saliba made the bench for Arsenal's Carabao Cup win over Leicester City but was not in the squad that saw off Liverpool in the same competition on Thursday night.

Arteta was asked about the player at his pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of Sunday's Premier League fixture against Sheffield United.

"As I explained, the difficult year the player had and the plan we had for him for the transition year, we could not achieve.

"We are looking at different options to try to have the best possible development and to protect our intentions with William for the future."

Saliba joined Arsenal from Saint-Etienne last year in a £27million deal.

As part of the transfer, he remained at the French club on loan for the 2019-20 season.

However, injuries restricted him to 15 appearances in all competitions.