Arsenal news: ‘Brilliant’ Saliba tipped for major role after confirmed news – pundit
Noel Whelan has backed William Saliba to compete in the Arsenal first-team next season after earning his first France caps.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 21-year-old is “ready” for the Premier League after “knuckling down” in a series of loan moves.
Saliba, who has made 41 appearances on loan at Marseille this term, made his debut for France’s senior side during last month’s international break – putting him into contention for their World Cup squad.
As quoted by the Mirror (2 April), manager Mikel Arteta insisted he is “really happy” with his decision to allow the defender to develop his game further in his homeland – and confirmed he is “aware” of the Frenchman’s progress.
According to football.london (2 April) Arsenal will open preliminary talks with Saliba regarding a new deal at the end of this campaign after the defender’s three seasons out on loan.
Whelan hailed the defender’s “brilliant character and attitude” throughout his time away from the Emirates Stadium.
“He’s served his time away on loan now, three seasons,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He’s gone out to really learn his trade and fine-tune those skills, and I’m sure Mikel Arteta will be excited to get a look at him in pre-season to see where he’s at.
“The fact that he’s pushed all the way into that France squad is really encouraging.
“It suggests to me that he’ll be competing in that Arsenal squad next season – he’s ready for that chance.
“He’s shown brilliant character and attitude by not throwing his toys out of the pram. Instead, he’s knuckling down and developing his game.
“He’s stepped up to the mark and put the hard yards in.”
In other news, Arsenal fear defender’s season is now over in crushing injury blow.