Arsenal defender William Saliba retains hope of a loan return to Saint Etienne in January.

That's according to But Football Club, which is in contrast to English press reports claiming the youngster would be happy to play in England for the second-half of the season.

But either way, Arsenal's choice is for Saliba to be placed at a local club on-loan, rather than send him back to France.

The 19 year-old defender is yet to be seen at first team level with the Gunners, having joined over the summer from ASSE.