Pundit backs William Saliba deal amid ‘100%’ Arsenal transfer claim
Noel Whelan has backed William Saliba for a fresh contract at Arsenal following his impressive debut display against Crystal Palace.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 21-year-old “ticks every box” for Mikel Arteta’s side.
According to football.london journalist Kara Kaynak (1 August), Arsenal are “very keen” to tie Saliba down to a new long-term deal – with talks already underway with the defender’s camp.
The former Saint-Etienne star has less than two years left to run on his current terms at the Emirates Stadium.
Saliba enjoyed a successful Premier League debut during the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on Friday (5 August), recording five interceptions and five clearances (per FBRef).
Speaking on his podcast (via YouTube, 7 August), Gary Neville compared the Frenchman to an “early Rio Ferdinand” and hinted that he is destined for the top.
Whelan insisted Saliba is the “ready-made player” following his three years away on loan in France.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think he proved his worth in that first game.
“You can see how good he is – he ticks every box. He’s strong, he reads the game, good in the air, he’s good on the ball.
“It’s everything Arsenal wanted when he came back, and they’ve now got the ready-made player.
“I’m sure he’ll get more and more international caps.
“Without any shadow of a doubt, there’ll be a big new contract on the table – I’m 100% sure of it.
“It’ll be in the works as we speak, because Arteta will have been so impressed with his start to the season.”
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