William Saliba is one of, if not the best, centre-backs in the world.
Playing through a back injury that is expected to require post-tournament surgery, he has still been solid for France at this World Cup.
His composure and dominance have been a key part of a team that have swept opponents aside throughout.
He and France now face Spain in the semi-finals on Tuesday, where stopping Mikel Merino from a third consecutive match-winning moment will be high on the agenda.
If Saliba wins the World Cup with France, having already won the Premier League with Arsenal last season, he will be well on his way to cementing his place as one of this generation’s truly great defenders.
START, BENCH, SELL: Tony Adams, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes…
PICK IN THE COMMENTS!!!
He is already arguably the best centre-back in the world since Virgil van Dijk at his peak.
And that is exactly why Arsenal must do everything they can to keep him at the Emirates.
Rio Ferdinand suggests why William Saliba could be open to a move
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former Manchester United defender was asked who he would sign if he had £300million to spend.
His first two picks were a duo strongly linked with Arsenal — Ayyoub Bouaddi and Bradley Barcola.
His other one was William Saliba.
When challenged that Saliba was not gettable, Ferdinand pushed back. “Of course he is, you can get Saliba easily. He’s won the league now, let’s go.”
Joel Beya reminded Ferdinand that Saliba had previously been asked about Real Madrid and responded by saying “why would I want to go to Real Madrid when I have so much to do here.”
But Ferdinand hit back. “But he hadn’t won the league yet, he hadn’t won the league,” he said. “He’ll be at Arsenal the next few years, but he’s one where I’d say let’s go and build.”
There are instances where players leave for the biggest clubs after ticking a major box — Trent Alexander-Arnold going to Real Madrid after winning everything he could with Liverpool, for example.
Real Madrid come calling for William Saliba: How much money do Arsenal ask for?
Ferdinand is suggesting that Saliba could now do the same, having ticked off the Premier League title.
But he clearly doesn’t realise how motivated Saliba is to stay and prove something at Arsenal.
Arsenal fans should take no notice of Rio Ferdinand’s theory
Saliba signed a new long-term contract last summer running until 2030, so Arsenal are under no pressure to sell.
He is fully committed to the club, having spoken openly about wanting to win the Champions League with Arsenal, having come so close last season in Budapest.
But his back injury is a concern in the short term. Arsenal are already monitoring cover options, with Ezri Konsa a prominent name linked should they need defensive reinforcement at the start of next season.
Ferdinand’s theory is worth filing away rather than panicking over. Saliba is going nowhere this summer.
But the best players always attract the biggest clubs, and Arsenal will need to keep delivering on their Champions League ambitions to ensure he stays beyond 2030.
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