Arsenal defender William Saliba has received a glowing report from Marseille manager Jorge Sampaoli as he continues to shine in his native France.
Saliba, 20, is still waiting for his Gunners debut and joined Marseille on a season-loan loan in July, playing 90 minutes in all six of the club's fixtures so far.
The centre-back has helped Sampaoli's side keep back-to-back clean sheets in Ligue 1, leaving them second behind Paris Saint-Germain in the Ligue 1 table.
Sampaoli labelled Saliba a "future great" for the French national team as he declared himself "lucky" to have secured the Arsenal youngster on loan.
"He’s a top player at his position," said the Argentine manager of Saliba, per RMC Sport . "We were lucky to get him on loan, it wasn’t simple.
"He’s great at marking, but good bringing the ball out too. He’s a future great of French football, he’s very good at starting plays.
"He’s adapted to a three at the back well, and his performances are linked to the team’s, which likes to play from the back."
As well as steering Marseille to four wins and one draw in Ligue 1, Saliba shone in the 1-1 draw with Lokomotiv Moscow in the Europa League last Thursday.
He drew lavish praise in French newspaper La Provence for his performance and his consistency at the back will be central to Marseille's hopes of silverware this season.
Saliba joined Arsenal in the summer of 2019 for a fee of £27million and he was immediately loaned back to St-Etienne for the season.
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He spent the subsequent campaign gathering more experience on loan at Nice and was expected to return to the Emirates this summer to fight for a spot in Arteta's side.
But his future under the Spaniard appears uncertain, as Arteta decided another loan was required to aid his progression further further.
"William is a player with strong natural ability and next season has the potential to be really beneficial for him at Marseille, a good club," said Arteta as Saliba's latest loan was confirmed.
"To play another season in Ligue 1 will be very important for his development. We will of course be keeping in close contact with William during the season and wish him all the best in France with Marseille."
Saliba has a familiar face at Marseille, as Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi followed him to the Stade Velodrome on a season-long loan days after his own move was confirmed.
The 22-year-old has been equally impressive, featuring in all six games and chipping in with a goal and an assist.
