The Frenchman made a breakthrough at the Emirates Stadium despite a frustrating start in English football
William Saliba has “enormous potential” and he will be “successful” at Arsenal, according to his ex-team-mate Harold Moukoudi from Saint-Etienne.
Arsenal invested £ 27 million ($ 35 million) in Saliba’s talent in July 2019 before being allowed to stay on loan at Saint-Etienne for the duration of the 2019-20 campaign.
The 19-year-old teamed up with his new teammates at the Emirates Stadium in the summer but is still waiting for his chance to shine for the Gunners at senior level.
The Frenchman didn’t see a single minute of the Premier League, EFL Cup or Europa League at the beginning of the season and so far had to be content with only two games for Arsenal’s U23s.
Saliba was touted for another loan switch ahead of the domestic transfer deadline, with Watford and Norwich reportedly leading a long line of potential applicants in the championship.
Saint-Etienne also tried to temporarily bring the defender back before the European market closed on October 5, but a definitive deal never came off.
The Ligue 1 team expressed their frustration at an official statement posted on their website that read: “Long before the transfer window closed, AS Saint-Etienne had reached an agreement with William Saliba and Arsenal had offered a loan for one Season accepted.
“Unfortunately in England not all administrative conditions could be met in time to close the deal.
“The disappointment is big for ASSE and William Saliba, who was particularly determined to return to a club where he has thrived.”
Saliba now has no choice but to take the time to fight for a spot on Arteta’s roster. Moukoudi is confident that if he continues to do the hard work necessary behind the scenes, he will get the grade at the Emirates Stadium.
“I told him not to worry and keep working. It will pay off,” said the old Arsenal center-back colleague ButFootballClub. “With the qualities that he has I’m sure he will jump back. He has enormous potential, no one can deny that.
“He has to persevere, be patient with his situation, but he will succeed. It is certain.”
Saliba will be back in competition for minutes when the Gunners host Leicester City in the Premier League on Sunday night.
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