Former Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham defender William Gallas believes that French star William Saliba could start for Arsenal next season if Mikel Arteta switches to a three at the back.
The defender has impressed whilst on loan at Marseille this season, and Arsenal fans are hoping he will finally be integrated into the first-team picture at the beginning of the next campaign, especially considering they're on course to qualify for the Europa League at the very least.
What's for certain is that Saliba has benefitted from first-team exposure this season and that has done his chances of finally kick-starting his Arsenal career next term no harm. Despite saying he is very happy at the Ligue 1 club amid talk of a permanent transfer this summer, football.london understands the plan is for the Gunners to open preliminary talks regarding a new contract towards the end of his loan spell.
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Thus, talks could commence imminently as the season ends next month, so clarity over Saliba's future - whether or not he has one with the Gunners - should be clearer in the coming weeks. If he does return to Arsenal, Gallas thinks he'll find it difficult to get into the current set-up, primarily because of the form of Ben White: "I don't know why Saliba hasn't had an opportunity to show what he can do at Arsenal," he told Genting Casino.
"With Marseille, he is doing well so that's why the France manager called him up and gave him the opportunity to play with the national team. So I don't know whether Saliba will stay in Marseille or come back to Arsenal next season.
"If he comes back to Arsenal, he has to be ready and he has to know it will be difficult for him to be in the starting XI because right now, they have Ben White."
However, Gallas continued by explaining that the 21-year-old could be useful for the Gunners if they qualify for European competition as expected. Plus, he's also suggested that he could start for Arteta almost immediately if the Spaniard decides to alter his system slightly.
"If Arteta changes his system and plays with three at the back, Saliba could fit in that position. Also, if Arsenal are in the Champions League, he will have more competitions to play in during the season, so Saliba could have more opportunities to play games. Saliba has to be ready and must know he has to fight to show he's a good player and that he deserves to play for Arsenal."
It would be a great shame if Saliba - who cost Arsenal £27million - never played for the north Londoners. The loan spells have surely been part of a wider plan, and he could be like a brand new signing if he's trusted to hit the ground running upon his return.
