Arsenal reportedly maintain that they were not at fault for Saint-Etienne's failed loan bid for William Saliba.
With Mikel Arteta prepared to loan out the club's new arrival, the youngster and former club Saint-Etienne were seemingly keen to renew acquaintances for the 2020-21 campaign.
However, no transfer materialised before Monday's deadline, leading to the French club to state that Arsenal failed to process the necessary documentation in time.
According to Sky Sports News, Arsenal have dismissed those suggestions, insisting that they were waiting for Saint-Etienne to complete paperwork at their end.
The North Londoners are now left to contemplate how to handle the situation now that the 19-year-old has limited options until the beginning of 2021.
A temporary switch to an EFL or Portuguese club for the rest of the campaign appear to be the most likely options.