Arsenal icon Kevin Campbell has waxed lyrical about William Saliba, in conversation with Highbury Squad.
The former Gunners striker believes the defender has increased in value to between £150million and £200million.
Saliba joined Arsenal back in 2019 from Saint-Etienne for a reported £27million.
However, three years would pass before the 21-year-old would make his competitive Gunners debut.
Saliba returned to Saint-Etienne on loan in 2019-20, then took in stints at Nice and Marseille.
The Frenchman has developed into a star player and is now a regular in Arsenal’s back four.
Saliba is yet to pen a new contract, but reports have suggested it won’t be long before he does so.
Campbell is buzzing over how well the Frenchman has done so far, and is confident he’ll pen new terms.
“He’s going to be an absolute stalwart for years to come,” he told Highbury Squad.
“He’s in our building. And we will be crazy, absolutely crazy, to let him leave.
So whenever he’s in your building, he’s under contract, you do the deal.
“And yeah, he’s not going to be on Saka money. But he deserves good money. He’s been out on loan.
“He’s only going to get better, like Saka, Odegaard, Ramsdale, you name them, they’re only going to get better.
“William Saliba is going to sign a new deal for Arsenal. That is for sure.
“Mikel Arteta cannot believe his luck.
“Think about it, he’s been on loan. He brings him in from Marseille and he’s got a £150-£200 million defender.
“Sign him, don’t mess around.”
Bright future for Arsenal
Arteta received criticism for not throwing Saliba in at the deep end, instead sending him out on loan several times.
However, the Gunners manager played the long game and his patience has paid off handsomely.
‘Trust the process’ is no longer a sarcastic jibe, but testament to a steady rebuild that’s now reaping rewards.
Best of all, Saliba is one of multiple young players who can propel Arsenal back to the glory days.
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