William Saliba has been excellent for Marseille this season which was shown on the world stage after his man-of-the-match performance against PSG.
Praise for the Frenchman was pouring in after he managed to obtain a clean sheet against arguably the best front three in world football which contains Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
One of the positive reviews the 21-year-old received was from a former player that has a terrible relationship with Arsenal fans, as Samir Nasri, speaking to Marseille's official YouTube channel, said: “He has all the qualities to play in the Premier League. He’s well built, quick and a good passer of the ball too.
"I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t be in Arsenal’s team.”
Saliba joined Marseille on a loan deal in the summer transfer window after it emerged that his game time would be limited in north London.
Arteta deemed him not yet ready to compete in the Premier League and then went on to sign Ben White for £50m who is very similar in quality to the French defender.
However, since his loan spell in France, he has managed to keep eight clean sheets and has been a stand-out performer for his team.
Arteta’s decision to loan him out was a rash decision when you consider the backup centre back’s at Arsenal.
Pablo Mari and Rob Holding started for the club early in the Premier League season and were a major factor in the club conceding nine goals in three games without the team picking up a single point.
Saliba looked assured in the match against PSG and wasn’t fazed by playing against one of the best forwards in the world in Mbappe.
This was epitomised by his last-ditch challenge on the French forward late in the game which ensured a clean sheet for the home side.
At 6’3 tall, Saliba definitely possesses the height required for a Premier League centre-back and he has the physique to match.
And that amazing tackle on Mbappe shows that he has the pace which will suit Arteta’s use of a high-line.
Nasri is disliked by the Arsenal fanbase but it is hard to disagree with his comments about the promising defender.
He will certainly be a regular in the Premier League squad for next season and will provide healthy competition for £50m Ben White.
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