Arsenal defender William Saliba is willing to reduce his wages to return to St Etienne in January.

Both clubs have confirmed late paperwork thwarted a deadline day return to ASSE for the defender.

But Canal+ says the deal is set to be revived for January, with Saliba returning to his old club on-loan to the end of the season.

And smoothing negotiations is Saliba's willingness to drop his wages at Arsenal in order to come under budget at ASSE.

ASSE coach Claude Puel has made no secret of his wish to bring Saliba back to the club this season.