Arsene Wenger makes Arsenal return claim and loan exits for two Gunners stars

Rennes manager says Arsenal defender is ‘an option’ before close of transfer window

Rennes manager Julien Stephan has admitted William Saliba is “an option” ahead of a potential loan move for the youngster.

There were hopes that the 19-year-old defender would break into Mikel Arteta’s first team this season after impressing on loan with Saint-Etienne.

But it appears he could now be set for another spell away from the club.

“William Saliba is an option,” Stephan said, quoted by GFFN .

“He is an interesting player, he is coming out of an appealing season with Saint-Etienne, even if it seems more complicated with Arsenal.”

Torreira moves closer to Atletico loan

Lucas Torreira is set to join Atletico Madrid on loan as Arsenal’s pursuit of Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar continues.

The Uruguay international will join the Spanish club on loan and his exit could make room for the potential arrival of Aouar.

“I am very confident with what we are trying to do internally,” Mikel Arteta said when asked about Torreira and Aouar after Thursday night’s Carabao Cup win over Liverpool.

“The clarity and support that I am finding from everybody at the club to try to improve the team as we can, but most importantly, to get the right balance in the squad for now and the way we want to evolve the squad in the future.

“So, we are all very much aligned. I'm afraid I cannot give you any updates or news.

“I will give you an update with any player the moment I have an update to give you. At the moment, unfortunately there is nothing concrete.”

Wenger reveals why he hasn’t returned to Arsenal

Arsene Wenger has explained that he has avoided going back to Arsenal since his dismissal in 2018 because he wanted to “cut completely” from the club.

The Frenchman spent 22 years in charge of the Gunners, leading his side to Premier League and FA Cup titles.

Things took a downturn towards the end of his tenure, but Wenger remains a legendary figure at the club.

“I will go one day,” he told the Times . “But I thought it was better to cut completely. It was difficult at the start, of course, after leading my club as long as I did. But I thought it’s better to follow from a distance.”