The Express has reported that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will give William Saliba a chance in pre-season even if Ben White joins in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal are ready to pay up to £50 million to sign White from Brighton and Hove Albion, according to The Athletic.
The Express are claiming that even if the former Leeds United loanee joins the Gunners, fellow central defender Saliba will be given the chance in pre-season.
Stepping up
Saliba could not make an impact at Arsenal last season.
The 20-year-old central defender failed to make a single appearance in the Premier League in the first half of the campaign.
The Frenchman was then sent out on loan to Nice in the January transfer window.
Saliba did well during his loan spell at Nice.
The 20-year-old scored one goal in 20 Ligue 1 games.
The youngster will now have to step up his game in pre-season and show Arteta that he has improved.
Yes, David Luiz is leaving, but Arteta still has enough options at centre-back.
If White joins, then Arteta is likely to make him and Gabriel the main partnership at the back.
Saliba has to show in pre-season what he is capable of, and that Arteta can rely on him.
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