William Saliba will play his first North London Derby on Saturday. It comes more than three years after he signed for the Gunners back in 2019, but finally, he will have his chance to show what he can do.
To imagine Saliba playing in a match with Tottenham for Arsenal as little ago as last year might have been difficult for most. However, hearing what Mikel Arteta has to say about the 21-year-old now and there is no debate around how he is appreciated by the club.
Speaking ahead of the North London Derby, Arteta said that he has no doubts about the Frenchman. It is clear the Arsenal manager now sees him as a critical part of the side.
READ MORE: Dusan Vlahovic rejection, Bukayo Saka’s North London Derby task and Arsenal criticism peaks
"No this is football and Willy has shown what he’s capable of in the past few months," Arteta said. "That doesn’t mean that the line up is always going to be in the same direction, but he’s been so good from my side I have no doubts.
This contrasts significantly with an interview Saliba did in January of 2021 after signing on loan for Nice. Saliba had just endured a tricky four months in the club’s youth team having not secured a summer loan and the club not registering him for the league or European competition.
“I arrived there as they were finishing the league season, so I was training alone. As soon as they came back from holidays, we quickly had the first friendly matches where I lacked rhythm and was a bit insufficient physically.
“The coach immediately told me that I was not ready. I would have at least liked to have a chance to rediscover my rhythm. But this is football, it’s like that.”
Saliba discovered his rhythm with Nice and looked strong but without the assurance of regular chances for the 2021/22 season, both the player and club agreed a loan move was the best decision. A year with Marseille was the perfect solution and Saliba flourished, developed and matured, returning to Arsenal and starting every league match this season.
That said, having been on loan three times since signing, it means he has now less than two years on his contract. The Athletic’s David Ornstein has reported that the player has not entered into discussions for a new deal and has his sights on purely playing.
Speaking to FIVE Insider, Ornstein said: “The situation, as I understand, is that he is not in a rush to come and sit down. He is focusing on his football.
“What does he need to rush for? Let’s see how things go, and let’s see if this is going to be a consistent run in the team because we are still relatively early in the season.
“We are still going to be stopping for the World Cup when many contract negotiations at many clubs will take place, then we will get into second half of the season. The power is all in Saliba’s hands.”
Arsenal will want to tie Saliba down and the latest public praise from Arteta ahead of tomorrow’s major clash will only help. The turnaround in position is down to the defender’s improvement, growth and Arteta’s faith given to him this season.
However, the longer time goes on without news of a renewal the existing concern from the club and fanbase he could leave will only grow.
READ NEXT:
Paul Merson and Chris Sutton agree on Arsenal vs Tottenham score prediction
Thomas Partey fitness hope, Bukayo Saka future, Spurs injury blow, Arsenal vs Tottenham preview
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal undroppable emerges for North London Derby vs Tottenham amid injury worry
Mikel Arteta can unleash Arsenal's own Kevin De Bruyne in North London Derby vs Tottenham
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
