Arsenal right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu has been predicted to move to centre-back at the Emirates Stadium in the future, something that could throw the future of William Saliba into further doubt.
Saliba is currently spending the 2021/22 campaign on loan with Marseille in Ligue 1 and there are already doubts over whether his long-term future lies in north London or not.
With Hector Bellerin departing for Real Betis in the summer, Tomiyasu was signed from Bologna. But given his height and physique, questions have been asked over whether he will one day move into the middle of the defence.
It is a position he has played in for the Japan national team, and one that could have a domino effect at the club.
Saliba remained coy when asked in December whether he will play for the Gunners next term.
"I prefer not to speak about my future, but I’m very good here [Marseille]," he told RTL. "I don’t regret my decision. I have been very happy since day one. I have one year here and I am going to give my all."
Mikel Arteta appeared more open when asked a similar question on the 20-year-old's future.
He initially came under fire in the summer for choosing to sign Ben White rather than give the Frenchman a shot. But given White's success, those calls have quietened significantly.
"Yes, as a club we are always in touch," Arteta revealed back in October. "Edu and Ben [Knapper] were there to watch him and keep a close eye on him the progress he’s making.
"He’s obviously our player and we do that with all the loan players that we have."
The last thing that Saliba will want is even more competition at centre-back, with White and Gabriel Magalhaes seemingly nailing down the two available spots at present.
But that is exactly what Japan captain and former Southampton defender Maya Yoshida thinks will happen.
In an interview with The Athletic, Yoshida explained that he thinks the 6ft 2ins defender will ultimately find himself playing in the centre of defence.
"He can play all across the defensive line — centre-back, right or left," Yoshida said.
"If Mikel Arteta asks him to play left-back, he can probably do it, because he is quick enough and smart enough. I think and hope in the future he’ll play at centre-back, because that’s what we need for the national team."
