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Sam Hill

Brendan Rodgers and Gary Neville agree on William Saliba ahead of Arsenal vs Leicester

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has heaped praise upon Arsenal ahead of the clash against the Foxes this weekend.

The Gunners have spent in excess of £100million for the second successive summer transfer window, signing Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner and Marquinhos. There have been plenty of outgoings from the Emirates Stadium with Nuno Tavares and Pablo Mari leaving on-loan, whilst Bernd Leno and Lucas Torreira have left on permanent deals.

Mikel Arteta has openly admitted that he would like to add one or two more signings to his squad before the transfer deadline, but this may depend on fringe players leaving the club with Nicolas Pepe, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Reiss Nelson all facing uncertain futures in north London. The Gunners got off to a perfect start in the Premier League after a brilliant pre-season, winning 2-0 away against Crystal Palace with returning loanee William Saliba putting in an assured performance in defence, and Rodgers has claimed Arteta's side have reached a 'new level' this season.

READ MORE: Man City 'monitoring' Arsenal star as Pep Guardiola targets transfer revenge amid Zinchenko deal

Speaking to the media during his pre-Arsenal press conference, Rodgers heaped praise upon Mikel Arteta's side as the Foxes look to cause an upset at the Emirates Stadium this weekend. Rodgers said: "Arsenal have gone to a new level with the three players who have come into the team.

"Saliba is a talented player, he’s gone away and got really good experience and you see him, he’s quick, he can dominate. He’s a fantastic addition and gives them presence at the back."

Rodgers isn't alone in his praise for Saliba after Gary Neville likened the 21-year-old to a young Rio Ferdinand following his man of the match performance against Palace. Jamie Carragher was also impressed with Saliba, but was blown away by Jesus' performance in attack, and the Leicester boss is fully aware of the quality the Brazilian possesses.

"The two guys coming in from Man City have made a difference. They’re coming from a world-class environment.

"Jesus is a world-class striker., you see his hunger and desire, it will elevate other players. Zinchenko can play in a couple of positions to the very highest level. They have given the squad the confidence and has given Mikel the tools to play how he really wants to play."

Arsenal have won their last three games against Leicester with Jesus looking to capitalise on this form as he searches for his first goal of the season. Zinchenko is set to continue at left-back with Kieran Tierney still building up his match fitness after a solid cameo against Palace last Friday.

Arsenal are set to get a closer look at transfer target Youri Tielemans on Saturday, with the north Londoners thought to be interested in signing a new central midfielder. football.london understands Arsenal are willing to wait until next summer to sign the Belgium international, with the club already having agreed personal terms with the Leicester star weeks ago.

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