Arsenal news: William Saliba backed for key role next season after ‘incredible’ development
Kevin Campbell has backed on-loan Arsenal defender William Saliba for a key role under Mikel Arteta next season.
The former Gunners striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 21-year-old could play in defence alongside stars Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Marseille loanee Saliba made his senior France debut last week against Ivory Coast (25 March) – quickly followed by his maiden start against South Africa on Tuesday (29 March).
That means the former Saint-Etienne man has made his Les Bleus bow before playing a single game for Arsenal.
Saliba signed for the Gunners in the summer of 2019 for a reported fee of £27million.
Campbell suggested the defender’s confidence will be sky-high after an “incredible” personal milestone.
“I think Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have done right by Saliba in the end,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“I was one of the people calling for him to get a chance.
“The club thought he could do with another season, and going to Marseille and playing week-in, week-out has really helped his game – so credit to them.
“He’s got his first France caps before even playing a game for Arsenal, and that’s an incredible milestone.
“He’s going to be so confident coming back in the summer. I think Arteta could really utilise him next season.
“His height and his attributes could even make Arsenal change the system. Ben White, Gabriel, and Saliba in a three is quite the prospect.”
Saliba has been virtually ever-present during loan spells at Saint-Etienne, OGC Nice, and Marseille in the last few seasons.
The Bondy-born defender is contracted until 2024.
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