His loan deal could reportedly be cut short and he may be back at the Emirates

Arsenal are reportedly considering trying to recall William Saliba from his loan spell at Saint-Etienne in January as manager Mikel Arteta looks to add defensive reinforcements.

The 18-year-old joined the Gunners in a £27million deal last summer from the Ligue 1 outfit but returned to the club on a season-long loan.

But now Saliba's loan deal could be cut short and he may be back at the Emirates when the transfer window opens on Wednesday, according to The Mirror.

Arsenal are reportedly considering trying to recall William Saliba from loan spell in France

Centre half Saliba has made seven appearances for Saint-Etienne this campaign.

Arsenal have been plagued by injuries in defensive areas this season with Hector Bellerin, Kieran Tierney, Rob Holding, Sokratis and Sead Kolasinac all on the treatment table.

Calum Chambers became the latest casualty in the Gunners' 2-1 defeat by Chelsea last weekend as he sustained a knee injury.

Mikel Arteta is looking to add defensive reinforcements to his Gunners side next month

Arsenal medics were pessimistic about Chambers' injury on Sunday night but the club were trying to ascertain if the defender has sustained significant ligament damage on Monday.

Sportsmail reported on Monday that Arsenal will give new boss Arteta transfer funds next month to plug their leaky defence.

Red Bull Leipzig's Dayot Upamecano is high on the list of the club's central defensive targets and the German side could be persuaded to let him leave due to the fact his contract expiring. He could be available for as little as £40million.