Manchester United star Raphael Varane has handed Arsenal a huge boost in the race for the Premier League title. That's according to former Chelsea defender William Gallas, who has claimed that William Saliba will have learned a lot from his fellow countryman at the World Cup.
Saliba featured just once for France at the World Cup, appearing off the bench in Les Bleus' final group stage clash. The Arsenal defender enjoyed a brief second-half cameo as Didier Deschamps' side were defeated 1-0 by Tunisia.
While the 21-year-old wasn't granted as much game time in Qatar as he would have liked, Saliba would have picked up invaluable experience from his peers on the World stage. Though, one consolation for the Gunners is that their star centre-half will return to London Colney ready and raring to go with little need for an extended break.
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And, Saliba's return to action for Arsenal is highly-anticipated with the youngster being compared to former United stalwart Rio Ferdinand. Speaking to Genting Casino, Gallas said: "William Saliba does not remind me of myself - he reminds me of Rio Ferdinand and has the same style as him.
"He is still young and can still improve. It is in his hands; if he works hard to reach the highest level possible, he can do it. He has to train with players who are World Class, as he will learn a lot.
"He had a great first part of the season, and although he did not play at the World Cup, he will be fresh for Arsenal. He also would have learnt a lot from Varane."
With Saliba attracting more plaudits than ever, Arsenal will be eager to tie the Frenchman down to a long-term deal. He currently sees his contract with the Gunners expire in 18 months - but football.london understand that the north Londoners hold the option to extend his tenure by at least another year.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the club will open a fresh round of talks with Saliba in the coming weeks. Unfortunately for Arsenal, being compared to Ferdinand may add an extra zero on the end of his wage demands...
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