MATTEO GUENDOUZI has pledged to "try and push" William Saliba to leave Arsenal and join Marseille permanently.
Saliba, 21, enjoyed a brilliant campaign at Stade Velodrome, producing exceptional performances and even becoming a full France international.
The centre-back is due back in North London for pre-season but former Gunner Guendouzi wants his pal to stick around at Marseille.
Speaking to Telefoot, the midfielder said: "William now has Marseille in his heart, and I’m sure that he’ll come back to Marseille next season.
"So I’m going to keep pushing so that he stays with us."
Saliba, however, has already confirmed that he will be back at Arsenal for pre-season.
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He said: "I belong to Arsenal, I still have two years left there. I will be there for pre-season."
The £27million signing from Saint-Etienne in 2019 admitted in April that he doesn't want to return to the Gunners unless he is a regular starter.
He revealed: "For six months, I saw that I was the the only one in the group not to play, it hurt.
"I'm sure I can't just be on the bench at Arsenal and be happy. I want to play as a starter.
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"Afterwards, if I come into the rotation as a substitute, it's not like staying with the Under-23s and never being in the squad."
Saliba played in 36 of Marseille's 38 Ligue 1 matches last season, helping his side rocket to a second place finish.
He has loved his time in the South of France, gushing in April: "This club and the supporters are magnificent so I want to make the most of it by the end of the season, as if I'm not going to come back.
"There are two months left, I want to savour every moment, especially at home.
"After that, we'll see. If I come back, it will be with great, great pleasure."
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Former Gunners badboy Guendouzi, whose £9m permanent move from Arsenal to Marseille was confirmed in March, added: "I couldn’t have hoped for a better season than the one that I spent with Marseille.
"With the French national team as well, it is quite simply my best season as a professional."
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