Arsenal signed defender William Saliba on a £27 million transfer deal last summer and according to Bacary Sagna, the youngster has all the attributes of becoming a world-class player at the Emirates.
“First he will need to adapt to English football,” the former Gunners star told Goal.
“He is a big prospect for the future but Arsenal need him to perform as soon as he starts.
“He is aware of that probably, but he has a lot of qualities and he will learn fast. Hopefully, he will achieve good things and become one of the best centre-backs in the league.
“He is very confident in defending, he is not afraid to defend one against one and most of the time he wins the duels, which is the best quality as a defender.
“You need some security, you need some presence and he has that.”
Can William Saliba be a world-class player?
After signing William Saliba the youngster was immediately loaned back to his previous club meaning he will only join the Emirates outfit at the end of this season.
And now that Mikel Arteta has taken charge of the Gunners, Saliba will surely have to work his way up the ladder next campaign.
The youngster has been tipped by many to succeed in the Premier League but surely he will take some time to adapt in England and this could clearly work against him especially if the Gunners decide to keep both Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares beyond the summer.
Right now, Arsenal have a host of centre-backs amongst their ranks but none of them have been consistent performers for the club this season.
But despite that, we feel Arteta will look to start with a clean slate during the summer meaning whichever player can impress the manager will surely get to lead the line in defence – at least in the Premier League.
