Arsenal’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta wouldn’t have happened without Kylian Mbappe – here’s why

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Arsenal have experienced a remarkable change since the 2022/23 season as Mikel Arteta’s side registered themselves as title challengers.

Prior to the 2022/23 campaign, Arsenal hadn’t finished in the top two of the Premier League table since the 2015/16 season.

Ever since that title-challenging year, Arteta’s squad have been regarded as serious contenders for Premier League glory, with change spotted at the Emirates.

Now, Arsenal boast one of the best defences in Europe and are notoriously difficult to beat as a result, something Arteta and his players deserve immense credit for.

• READ MORE: The shocking starting XI from Mikel Arteta’s first-ever Arsenal game

William Saliba credits professional career launch to Kylian Mbappe

So, what changed so dramatically between the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaign?

One answer is the emergence of William Saliba, who joined forces with Gabriel Magalhaes to birth one of the Premier League’s best partnerships.

Before that season, Saliba was embarking on loan spells in Ligue 1 to bolster his experience before announcing himself to the Premier League, which he eventually did in style.

Arsenal’s rise has a lot to do with the Frenchman, who rarely has a bad day when wearing the cannon on his chest.

Arteta will struggle to imagine life without Saliba, something that he not only has Unai Emery to thank for bringing the defender to the club but strangely, Kylian Mbappe.

In an interview with Arsenal’s official website, Saliba revealed that had it not been for Mbappe and other talent from his area in France, he might not have been scouted. 

“I was lucky to grow up in Bondy where many talents have come from,” the Arsenal defender explained.

“Thanks to Kylian Mbappe and others at AS Bondy, several scouts came to watch us at the age of 12. I was quite excited when I saw them – I would say: ‘This is my only chance to get out of here.’”

After making his name at AS Bondy, Saliba was eventually handed a professional contract by Saint-Etienne, the club Arsenal signed him from in 2019.

Thanks to the attention that an emerging Mbappe generated in Bondy, Saliba was also spotted, handing Arsenal their star defender years later.

Arsenal have changed since Saliba’s emergence

Fused with Gabriel, Saliba is a tough player to beat, bringing joy and security to Arsenal fans far and wide.

Given that the Frenchman had to be patient to earn a chance to show his worth at the Emirates, it’s quite remarkable just how important he’s become in North London.

Saliba’s importance to Arsenal was documented back in October 2024, with the numbers only emphasising just how crucial the France international’s presence is in the squad.

Arteta has the 23-year-old’s talent and growth to thank for Arsenal’s recent rise, as well as Mbappe, who paved the way for Saliba to be picked up as a youngster.