As Arsenal prepare for their Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven, one player has promised to step up for Mikel Arteta.
It’s been a trialling season for the Gunners, with the only chance of silverware remaining being the Champions League.
While Arteta’s side can still win the Premier League mathematically, Liverpool’s 15-point lead at the summit is impossible to overlook.
Arsenal’s chances of winning the Champions League were bolstered after the first leg of the round of 16, as the Gunners beat PSV 7-1 away from home, setting up the second leg nicely.
William Saliba offers Arsenal support in attack
What was so mesmerising about Arsenal’s 7-1 win over PSV in Eindhoven was what the Gunners went on to do after the resounding victory.
Just days later, Arsenal drew 1-1 with Manchester United in a display at Old Trafford that painfully lacked creativity.
Such can be resolved in the summer transfer window, with incoming sporting director Andrea Berta having a strong history of signing forwards but for now, another solution must be identified.
Speaking to the media ahead of the Champions League clash with PSV, Arsenal defender William Saliba insisted that he would play further upfield if Arteta asked.
“It was a joke because I know that I can play striker but it is different to being a striker at this big club.
“But yeah I used to play striker when I was young… if the coach needs me there, I will be there but I don’t think so, I think I’ll stay at the back.”
Arteta won’t be in a hurry to trade Saliba’s partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes to bolster his front line but, the player made his willingness clear when addressing the media.
Could Saliba leave Arsenal?
Being quizzed on his early years of playing up front wasn’t the only thing that journalists took the time to ask Saliba.
As expected, the centre-back was asked about his future amid Saliba’s links to Real Madrid ahead of the summer transfer window.
Losing the France international would be a nightmare for Arsenal but, the defender isn’t focused on anything but the Gunners.
Saliba spoke about his Arsenal contract in the press conference, insisting that he’s ‘happy’ at the club and hopes to ‘continue’ in North London beyond his contract.
For now, the centre-half will be fully focused on the Champions League battle ahead, which could book Arsenal’s ticket into the quarter-final.
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