Arteta explains why Saliba was sent on loan twice before Arsenal breakthrough | OneFootball

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shed light on the pivotal role loan spells played in William Saliba’s development into a star defender.

Despite initial doubts and interest from PSG, Arteta’s decision to send Saliba to Ligue 1 proved instrumental in his growth. Now a French international and a mainstay in Arsenal’s defence, Saliba’s journey is a testament to Arteta’s player development approach.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 08: William Saliba and Gabriel of Arsenal celebrate following their sides victory after the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on October 08, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has opened up about William Saliba‘s development and the club’s decision to send him on loan to Ligue 1. Despite interest from PSG, Saliba has become a key player for Arsenal, solidifying his place in the Gunners’ defence as an undisputed starter.

Arteta admitted that Saliba was not ready for the Premier League upon his arrival in 2020. “When he arrived at the club (in the summer of 2020, after his first loan), we wanted to observe him. We kept him for several months. Our assessment of the situation led us to two conclusions. Firstly, he wasn’t ready to play in the Premier League, at the level and in the role I thought he could have. Then, most importantly, the environment wasn’t good enough for him to progress, become what I imagined, and reach the potential he had,” Arteta told L’Équipe.

Arsenal’s French defender William Saliba (C) celebrates after a shot from Arsenal’s Italian midfielder Jorginho ends up in the net, rebounding off Aston Villa’s Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for an own-goal during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on February 18, 2023. – Arsenal won the game 4-2. (Photo by GEOFF CADDICK/AFP via Getty Images)

The decision was made to loan Saliba to OGC Nice and later Marseille, where he gained valuable experience and matured as a player. “I was 100% convinced he would play for Arsenal. But not at that moment. I told him I wasn’t going to throw him into that, he wasn’t ready for that,” Arteta explained.

Saliba‘s loan spells proved to be a turning point in his career. He excelled in Ligue 1, earning a call-up to the French national team and attracting attention from top clubs like PSG, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid. However, Arteta is adamant that Saliba is now a crucial part of Arsenal‘s plans.

“So he had to prove himself elsewhere. And he was incredible, consistent, regular, he knew how to handle other problems. He came back and, after one or two training sessions, in a new environment, we knew that from now on he could do it. Since then, he has proven it brilliantly to everyone. His progress and consistency are incredible. We are very happy to have him with us,” Arteta concluded.