‘He has been one of the best players in Europe!’: Arsenal academy chief Per Mertesacker heaps pressure on first-team boss Mikel Arteta to play William Saliba in the Premier League following his successful loan spell at Marseille
- William Saliba was named Ligue 1’s young player of the year last season
- He played 36 games for Marseilles on loan from his parent club Arsenal
- The 21-year-old is yet to appear for the Gunners since signing in 2019
- Per Mertesacker called Saliba ‘magnificent’ and urged Mikel Arteta to pick him
Mikel Arteta should see William Saliba as an option for first team football, according to Arsenal’s academy boss Per Mertesacker.
The 21-year-old defender impressed on loan at Marseille last year, playing 36 games and winning Ligue 1’s young player of the year award.
He has struggled to make an impact at the Emirates though, and is yet to appear for Arsenal since signing in 2019 after successive loans in France.
William Saliba was named Ligue 1’s young player of the year last season while at Marseille
Mikel Arteta is yet to start the defender in a first team game and has loan him out repeatedly
Speaking to Hayters TV, Mertesacker said: ‘What William has done in Marseille is magnificent, so [it is time] for us to really test him this summer and see what’s best for him.
‘But he has clearly made his mark with his young age with his playing in a major league in Europe and been one of the best players in Europe. So why not use him?’
Saliba is also keen to force his way into the first team in North London. He told Telefoot ‘I belong to Arsenal, I still have two years left. I will be back with Arsenal.
Per Mertesacker called the 21-year-old Saliba ‘magnificent’ and ‘one of the best in Europe’
‘I have played zero matches and I still want to show them my true face and have the chance to play for these fans and this great club.
‘But it doesn’t just depend on me. In any case, to leave like this, would be a shame.’
To gain a starting birth, Saliba will have to force either Ben White or Gabriel Magalhaes out of the side.
It could be a tough ask for someone who is yet to start a Premier League game, but Arteta should be open to ideas defensively after his side suffered 13 league losses last season.
