Jamie Carragher has told The Football Show, which was broadcast on Sky Sports, that he knows Arsenal staff already have massive hopes for William Saliba.
Arsenal secured a deal to bring in Saliba last summer, when they struck an agreement with Saint Etienne.
The terms of the deal mean that the centre-back has been loaned back to the Ligue 1 side.
But there is a feeling that he could step straight into Arsenal’s starting line-up next season.
And Carragher admits that he is not be surprised to see David Luiz depart, such is the faith Arsenal have in Saliba.
“At times he can lack concentration and make poor decision sand that can cost certain teams,” he said of Luiz.
“I think a manager feels he can get the best out of him because he’s got some great qualities but when you have had him at your club for a year or two you think ‘no I can’t put up with the other stuff’. Maybe that’s what Arteta’s seen.
“I do know Arsenal are very excited about a prospect in Saliba, that they’re bringing in. He’s only 19, so you’d think they would need some more experience in that position but I know that the club are excited about him coming in.
“To be honest it’s no surprise to me that Arsenal aren’t renewing his contract.”
A lot of pressure will be on Saliba to hit the ground running at Arsenal, as Mikel Arteta is known to want to improve his side’s defence.
If Arsenal are to lose Luiz, they could be without their most experienced centre-back next term, but Saliba has shown a lot of promise in France.
The 19-year-old has played 17 times for Saint Etienne this term, and has looked rock solid on most his appearances.
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