Former Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre insists that William Saliba will slot straight into Mikel Arteta's plans once at Arsenal next season.
The 18-year-old signed for the Gunners last season but returned to Saint-Etienne on loan for the 2019/20 campaign. Les Verts have found it tough under Claude Puel this season but Saliba has shone for the most part.
Avoiding loss in his first eight games this season, the youngsters first defeat came when he returned from a two month injury lay off. This also coincided with Puel using a back three which saw Saliba struggle to find his rhythm once back in the team.
The Saint-Etienne coach has since reverted to a back four which has helped Saliba settle, however, and Silvestre - who spent two seasons at Arsenal - is eager to see him start at Emirates Stadium.
"William Saliba will start from the get-go when he joins Arsenal next season. He’s currently playing for a struggling Saint-Etienne side, but his performances have been good, and he’s been consistent," he told Bet Pennsylvania .
"Defensively he’s strong so he’ll be looking to impress in pre-season. He’ll need to adapt in that period, but he has enough time to learn from the Arsenal staff and players. He’s still very young but has great experience from his time in Ligue 1.
"He’ll continue to learn from the current centre-backs, but he’ll have a big part to play from day one."
Saliba has done well to get his season back on track after sustaining his foot injury in November. In Saint-Etienne's last five league games he has been a ready for everything at the back making nine tackles, 13 interceptions, 24 clearances and just one foul.
Alongside this, he played a crucial role in helping his side to their first Coupe de France final since 1982. Providing passes into both players who assisted Les Verts' goals (one in injury time), his initiative was key to them going through.
Still only 18-years-old, he does show there is still room for improvement on ocassion. In that Coupe de France semi-final he conceded the penalty which saw his side go behind. At the weekend, he also stopped playing expecting a foul which never came. This gave Bordeaux the chance to go ahead.
The Frenchman isn't the only Arsenal youngster Silvestre is excited about, however. Having seen Bukayo Saka star this season with 10 assists to his name, the 42-year-old made his thoughts on Saka known.
"I met Saka recently and congratulated him on his fantastic season," Silvestre added. "We need to remember it’s all very new to him in defence, so he’s needed to learn fast.
"At the back, if you make a mistake, you’re almost certain to be punished. He’s still learning, especially in his decision making and positioning in the defensive third. He’s got all the attributes to be a great modern full-back - strong going forward and combining with the winger on the left.
"He has competition for his place with Kolasinac and Tierney, but it’s a big plus for the club."
