£27m Arsenal ‘superstar’ now told he’s really ‘gone up’ another level this season

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Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has now heaped praise on Arsenal centre-back William Saliba.

William Saliba has been a lynchpin in the heart of the Arsenal rearguard this season. 

The Frenchman plays with a maturity far beyond his years, and is extremely composed on the ball. He has rapidly established himself as a fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium, in large part thanks to his ability to astonish with his coolness in high pressure situations.

Saliba has now been recognised as one of the best players in the English top flight, and considering he is still just 22-years-old, there is likely plenty more to come from the defensive phenomenon. 

Arsenal paid £27 million to sign Saliba from Saint-Etienne in the summer of 2019, and he immediately returned to the French club on loan for the subsequent campaign. Further temporary stints in his homeland with Nice and Marseille followed, before he finally made his debut for Arsenal at the start of last season.

Saliba instantly took to the Premier League when finally given the chance to strut his stuff in the division. Quicky striking up a solid partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes, he played a key role in helping Mikel Arteta’s side emerge as genuine title contenders. 

It was the 12-cap France international’s injury towards the end of the campaign, which saw him sidelined for the run in, that sparked the collapse of the Gunners’ title charge. 

Danny Murphy notes the rise of Arsenal star William Saliba

Back to full fitness, Saliba picked up where he left off this season, and has once again proved a realible figure at the back for Arsenal. In fact, Danny Murphy believes he has even improved on his showings last season.

Speaking on talkSPORT, the former midfielder said, “he’s gone up again. He’s going to be a superstar, that kid. He’s so cool and calm. Quick. Good on the ball.”

It is vital for Arsenal that Saliba is able to stay fit throughout the rest of this season. Arteta is already short on defensive options, with Jurrien Timber ruled out with a long-term injury. If the Gunners are to stand any chance of being crowned champions at the end of the campaign then they need Saliba fit and firing on all cylinders throughout.

The north London club will also be keen to fend off any potential interest in the player. The player signed a new long-term contract in July 2023, but he will no doubt have a growing list of clubs interested in prising him away from Arsenal.