According to a recent tweet by renowned BBC Sport correspondent, David Ornstein, Arsenal are inching closer towards sealing a move for William Saliba from AS Saint-Etienne during this summer transfer period. Ornstein provided an update on Twitter, which read the following:
“Arsenal set to win race to sign William Saliba. Close to completion after Saint Etienne centre-back opted for #AFC. Loan back to #ASSE next season. Also working on loan for Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos & continue pursuit of Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney #RMFC #CelticFC”
William Saliba’s Breakout Season At Saint-Etienne
The French centre-half enjoyed a brilliant season at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard as he managed to earn a regular run of games in the French top-flight. Saliba put in a string of dominant performances at the back for Saint-Etienne in the last term. The Bondy-born defensive ace participated in 19 matches for the Ligue 1 side across all competitions in the previous campaign.
On the defensive end, Saliba made an average of 2.0 tackles, 1.8 interceptions and 2.7 clearances per game in the Ligue 1 last season (Stats via Whoscored). He could turn out to be an integral member of Ghislain Printant’s team if he can continue improving as a player in the coming years.
What Will The French Starlet Bring To The Emirates Stadium?
Saliba has enough pace under his belt to close down the opposition attackers when left isolated in 1v1 scenarios. He has an intelligent football brain and can make some timely interceptions for his side. However, one can question whether he is strong enough to cope with the physicality and high intensity of English football.
Will Saliba Be The Right Fit For The Gunners?
Recruiting a defender of Saliba’s incredible potential will undoubtedly bolster Unai Emery’s defensive options at the Emirates Stadium. However, he is still quite inexperienced and would need time to settle into life in the English top-flight.
At 18, Saliba still has a lot to learn before he is ready to feature regularly at the highest level. Hence, he won’t be able to stop Arsenal’s defensive problems in the upcoming season so it might suit him to return to Saint-Etienne on a season-long loan. Emery will be better off opting for more proven talents rather than bring in an inexperienced defender who won’t be available for the next campaign.
