William Saliba has been named in the final France squad before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. This is a significant moment for the 21-year-old whose hopes of a spot on the plane were under threat upon his return to north London.
With both Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes in the starting eleven, a lack of minutes in the Arsenal team had threatened to derail his Qatar 2022 hopes. However, Arteta has thrown the Frenchman straight in with White moved to right-back in place of Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Saliba has spent three seasons on loan since his arrival meaning he has just two seasons, including the current one, remaining on his contract. football.london understands Arsenal are confident of agreeing on a new contract with Saliba.
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After Saliba’s first call-up to the senior squad, Arteta was quick to point out he was an Arsenal player. He explained the reason behind the loan and it is clear the plan is working out for the benefit of Arsenal, Saliba and the French national side.
"We are really aware of what he’s doing, how he’s developing. He’s our player and we are really happy with the decision that we made.
"The exposure, minutes, responsibility and growth at his age is something we could not guarantee him this season. It makes a lot of sense what is happening with him, and we are glad to see him the way he is improving."
This latest call-up and effective assurance that Saliba is in Didier Deschamps plans for the World Cup, this should fulfil Saliba’s request of guaranteed regularity in the side in order to not only develop but make that place on the plane. There had been suggestions of a new deal being agreed with the player although so far there has been no confirmation of this.
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