Arsenal youngster William Saliba has caught plenty of attention this season for his performances in the defence, however ex-Gunners star Emmanuel Petit believes that his return to the club came with a "sense of revenge" for manager Mikel Arteta. The Frenchman has been a mainstay in his debut Premier League season so far.
The 21-year-old has slotted into the back four on the right, pushing Ben White to right-back in a side that has the best defence in the division. It has seen them rise to the top, five points clear of current champions Manchester City in a title push that is nearer each passing game.
While Saliba's impressive performances are paying off on the pitch, there's a very real threat off of it that he could leave in the next few years. The centre-back has less than two-years on his current contract - though there is a club option of an extra year included - meaning there is a race against time to get him tied down to a long-term deal.
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The youngster is one of a few players that are currently in contract talks, with Arteta claiming: "I don’t know," when asked if tying Saliba down to a new contract will take more work than those that have been at the club longer. "I was really impressed and at the same time surprised when I spoke to him. Obviously the way the relationship started and he went on loan, and he came back, and he went again.
"If that was a bit of damage there, because obviously he had certain expectations and something happened, but again he was so committed and so focused just to play for Arsenal that I think it took all of us by a little bit of surprise. So if I look at how he talks about the club and how much he wants to be here, I have no doubts that he wants to continue to be here."
The hint over his relationship with Saliba was one of the main talking points over the summer, having previously been critical of his playing time at youth level with the club rather than at first-team level before being sent on loan three times. It's a decision that Petit believes has fuelled the start made by the France international.
He told 90Min: "He confirms all the good things we saw from him last season with Marseille. He showed great maturity. Three years after signing for Arsenal, I think he came back with a sense of revenge too, he wanted to prove something to everyone, especially Arteta.
"And I think he plays very well. He is like a rock. I like his reading of threats. You know, behind the defence is also very good with the ball fight. And he plays confidently and technically too. He has no problem playing the first balls and starting from the back."
It remains to be seen if the past will cause issues over a stay in the future, however, his positive performances and desire to play for the club could be guiding lights towards an extension.
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