Arsenal manager Mikel has been told his belief in William Saliba is misguided – and the Frenchman should be one of five players the Gunners want to sell this summer.
The 21-year-old defender is finally ready to kick his first competitive ball for Arsenal this weekend. After signing in July 2019, he was sent on various loan deals as the Gunners tried to pursue his development. And the most recent of those spells – in Marseilles – proved highly successful for all concerned.
Actually, Saliba was named in the Ligue 1 team of the season. His form has also seen him earn five caps for the highly competitive France national side.
Finally back at Arsenal, the mid-half looks set to finally make his Gunners debut. And if all goes as expected, he will be at the center of Arteta’s defense on Friday night at the start of the new season at Crystal Palace.
Arteta may choose to start Saliba as part of a three-man backline. If not, he’ll likely take his place alongside Gabriel Magalhs, with Ben White potentially missing.
As such, big things are expected from Saliba and many fans are excited to see what she can do. To that end, the player feels, for all intents and purposes, like a new signing for Arsenal.
His advantage is the loss of too much Marseille, made absolutely clear his desire to re-sign Saliba with Ligue 1 side,
However, the young defender is part of Arteta’s plans this season and all eyes will be on him at Selhurst Park.
That said, former Tottenham player Jamie O’Hara is not at all convinced by the defender.
And he thinks the £27m signing should be sold by the Gunners this summer while his stock is still high.
Jamie O’Hara Explains Why William Saliba Isn’t Enough
“Who?” O’Hara replied when asked by talkSPORT EDGE If the arsenal must keep or sell the cross.
“I mean you’re asking me about the players, I’m not interested in Arsenal. If you’ve lent him and he’s been there three seasons, you’ve lent him twice.” [then] He’s clearly not good enough. get rid of her.”
O’Hara also names Granit Zaka, Hector Bellerin, Mohamed Elneni and Nicolas Pepe as other players. armory Must sell.
O’Hara explained their thinking, assessing their merits or shortcomings.
“I would say sell [Pepe], get rid, I mean it was a really shocking signature. £75million but paid off in five years? ridiculous. If they can refund the money for him then get rid of him cause I don’t think he is good enough to play in [Mikel] Arteta Team. ,
O’Hara then turned his vitriol into the much-discredited former captain Zaka.
“get away from [of Xhaka], You have to sell him, he will let you down in the big games and I think Arsenal will be right this season with the players they have signed. I think it’s time to get rid of him.”
on Bellerin, Joe could end his deal to secure a move to Real BetisO’Hara says he can’t see a way for him to return to the Arsenal side.
“get away from [of Bellerin],” O’Hara said. “I mean, does he still play? Get rid of him, I mean he was decent five years ago, had a lot of talent but Arsenal moved on.
Per Mertesacker convinced of the virtues of the cross
However, one person who is convinced of Saliba’s qualities is Per Mertesacker.
The Arsenal academy manager has had little chance to influence Saliba’s game since signing for Arsenal. However, he has kept a close eye on the players after seeing the blooms in southern France.
“What William has done in Marseille is fantastic,” said Mertesacker haters tv,
“So for us to really test him this summer and see what’s best for him. But he’s clearly one of the best players in Europe with his young age, playing in a major league in Europe and As in it has left its mark. So why not use it?”
William Saliba now fully deserves his chance. His exploits for Marseille underscore his quality and if you’re a bad player you don’t fall in favor of Les Blaes.
As such, the defender will be expected to make a big impact at Arsenal and all eyes will be on him as he looks to outdo Palace’s attack in Friday’s London derby.
During this, Arsenal could land three stars in quick succession with Pablo Mari set to join Lucas Torreira and Bernd Leno stepping away,
The article Mikel Arteta urging the sale of William Saliba and four Arsenal teammates who were all branded ‘not good enough’ first appeared on Teamtalk.com.