Mikel Arteta says William Saliba’s loan spells at the club have helped him ‘evolve’ after the Spaniard spoke with the defender about his future at the club.
The 21-year-old has yet to appear for Arsenal‘s first team, despite moving to the Emirates for £30 million three years ago.
Saliba has been on loan at St Etienne, Nice and Marseille since his move to the Gunners and Marseille was eager to finalize his move after impressing on France’s south coast last season.
The defender had been equally enthusiastic, but he wanted to clarify his future at Arteta before making a decision.
The pair spoke as Saliba joined the group on Monday to prepare for the season and Arteta made it clear to the Frenchman that he will have opportunities next season.
Saliba now plans to stay and he had the chance to impress when he won 2-0 at Arsenal on Saturday night against Everton in the United States.
And Arteta made encouraging comments about Saliba’s performance afterwards, saying the defender had a ‘great performance’.
“He was really good,” Arteta said.
“I think he played a really good game, he looked very composed, right from the first day he looked completely focused.
“He’s evolved the way we wanted and today I think he’s done a great job.”
Saliba will compete for a starting spot with Ben White, Gabriel and Rob Holding.
Juventus have an interest in Gabriel, but Arteta wants to keep the Brazilian.
The Gunners were eager to sign Ajax champion Lisandro Martinez, but they were beaten by Manchester United by the Argentine’s signature.
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