Saliba tipped to dazzle upon Arsenal return as French footage emerges – pundit
Noel Whelan has predicted William Saliba will star on his return to Arsenal after impressing on loan at Marseille.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 20-year-old will return to north London a “better player in better shape” after his spell in France.
In the latest of his string of impressive displays, Saliba earned the man of the match award for a dominant performance in Marseille’s 0-0 draw against Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday.
The highlight of his performance came with just minutes to play at the end of the second half when the Frenchman made an inch-perfect last-ditch tackle on Kylian Mbappe to deny an almost-certain goal.
Whelan claimed Arsenal will be continuing to monitor the youngster’s development, with the door remaining open on a Premier League return.
“He will absolutely have a part to play for Arsenal,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“If he didn’t, then they’d have sold them. The fact that he’s out on loan tells me that it’s more about progression, getting that character and the experience.
“It’s a really bold move for him to go back to the league he started in. He’s showing his mental strength by continuing his progression out in that league.
“He will come back to Arsenal a better player, in better shape with more experience.
“That’s what these loan spells are all about. In some ways they are a test, Arsenal will be keeping tabs on him and making sure he is progressing.
“Saliba is still in the plans at Arsenal and he will get his opportunity.”
The defender signed for Arsenal from Saint-Etienne in 2019 for a reported fee of around £27million.
Saliba joined Marseille club in July on a season-long loan – his third temporary spell away from the Emirates Stadium.
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