Per Mertesacker has waxed-lyrical about the returning William Saliba and claimed that the Arsenal defender has been ‘magnificent’ during his time out on loan, as he told HaytersTV.
The former centre-back has also sent a message to Mikel Arteta by claiming ‘why not use him?’ ahead of the new Premier League season.
The 21-year-old is yet to play for Arsenal, despite it being three years since the club paid big bucks for him – since then, he has been out on loan at Saint Etienne, Nice and most recently, Marseille.
Ben White and Gabriel formed a strong partnership at the back for the Gunners last season, although they didn’t end the campaign like they would have liked.
There’s no doubt that a door is open for Saliba to enter and become a regular at the Emirates, as Mertesacker shared his thoughts on the player.
“It doesn’t work like that (on Arteta asking him about Saliba),” said Mertesacker. “But what William has done in France and in Marseille is magnificent so far.
“To really test him this summer and see what’s best for him. But he has clearly made his mark with his young age, playing in a major league in Europe and being one of the best players says it all, so why not use him.”
FRANCE DEBUT BEFORE ARSENAL DEBUT
It’s pretty remarkable to think that Saliba has donned the colours of France, before can represent Arsenal as a senior player.
But that should be a big enough sign that he is ready to earn those minutes, especially with the north London club making a return to Europe.
The main aim for Arteta is to secure Champions League football and he will have two roads to go down – finishing fourth in the Premier League or winning the Europa League.
All in all, it equals a lot of game time and enough minutes to go around where Saliba can showcase his worth to the fans.
If one of White or Gabriel have to drop out, then it will be interesting which one makes way, with the Englishman probably under more threat.
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