Mikel Arteta will have to back up his comments about taking Arsenal to “the next level” as he looks to persuade William Saliba to stay at The Emirates.
After last season’s agonising top-four failure, the Spaniard has been open that he wants players in his squad who can ensure their upward trajectory continues. That has already been evident in the transfer window, with Fabio Vieira arriving and a deal for Manchester City ’s Gabriel Jesus edging closer.
And Arteta will have the chance to bolster the ranks further by finally integrating Saliba into the first-team picture. It’s now three years since the Frenchman signed for the Gunners - and he is still waiting for his first appearance in the senior side.
