William Saliba is set to return to Arsenal this summer, although things would be delayed as the seasons around Europe continues with an aim to finish them off, but sooner or later – William Saliba will start his career as Arsenal-man.
And the man who spent time working with Southampton and Leicester in England, Claude Puel, feels the boy he has nurtured at Saint-Etienne is set to star for Arsenal. Puel feels William Saliba is “ready” to star for the Gunners with the North London side looking for a reliable figure in the heart of the defence for sometime.
Arsenal have brought in number of faces in an endeavour to bolster their defence, but little has been found of those recruitments. And questions has been asked about David Luiz and will he stick around at N5, with the thirty-three-year-old arrived from Chelsea only last summer. While the duo of Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Shkodran Mustafi have failed to convince their spot in the eleven as Calum Chambers tries to return to full fitness.
Number of Arsenal faithful believe Saliba could be the solution to their long term defensive vows, after the talented teen was allowed to continue his development with Saint-Etienne for another year post he committed his future with the Gunners.
Claude Puel was over the moon describing the prospect to The Athletic, “He is ready. He is a fantastic player. He is a young player but with a lot of maturity in his play. Also, in his life. He is a player with a good feeling and spirit. It will be hard for us without him but I think it is a fantastic opportunity for Arsenal.”
Puel also spoke about the qualities that the Frenchman will add to Mikel Arteta’s squad: “I think they need a good centre-back and have done for some time, and I think William is the right player. I think he can play all the time in the first team at Arsenal.”
William Saliba only has 32 senior appearances to his name, but tackling the ruffian Premier League challenge should not pose any problems.
