The international break is here and Arsenal players are jetting across the world to represent their nations in either UEFA Nations League action or World Cup qualification.
William Saliba is amongst those joining up with his fellow countrymen to help the side in their quest for glory in their competitions.
The final round of Nations League action will pit France up against Israel and Italy, with two wins confirming a place in the finals of the tournament.
Les Bleus will have to do so without their star man Kylian Mbappe though, who isn’t part of the squad for the latest round of fixtures.
In his absence, up steps Arsenal ace Saliba, who could prove his close friend very wrong in the coming weeks.
- READ MORE: What Kylian Mbappe has said about William Saliba as Arsenal star linked with Real Madrid transfer
William Saliba can prove Kylian Mbappe’s claim wrong
Saliba has joined up with the France squad for their crunch matches against Israel and Italy with hopes of reaching the latter stages of the Nations League.
The side currently sit second in their group, behind Italy, but know that two victories would secure their place at the top.
Doing so without Mbappe may be tough though, with the star dropped from the squad in a decision that Didier Deschamps claimed was a “one-off”.
With the forward out of action, his France teammates will have to step up and fill the void that he leaves across the pitch.
That could include Saliba, who has already shown those leadership tendencies at the Emirates Stadium over the years.
He may also have a chance to prove his old friend wrong after Mbappe stated to Ouest-France back in the summer of 2024: “I look at his [Saliba’s] journey with the pride of an older brother. There is no taboo between us and we tease each other.
“For example, I often tell him that he wants to be the star of Bondy, but that it will never happen!”
Bondy was the school side they both played for and while Mbappe is no doubt the star, Saliba may be able to step up and take that position in his absence, even if it’s just for one international break.
Arsenal must consider new William Saliba contract
One of the first potential tasks for the new sporting director at Arsenal could be a new contract for Saliba to keep him at the club.
The 23-year-old will have just two years remaining on his deal by the time the summer transfer window rolls around again.
Saliba’s links with a transfer to Real Madrid come as little surprise, given his immense ability at the top level with even more to come.
The final year of his deal may put the Gunners on the back foot with negotiations, while any offer then may be worth less due to the time remaining on it.
As a result, the club may be backed into a corner over the next few months in terms of extending his deal or facing the possibility of an exit.
It remains to be seen what will happen but it’s clear that the centre-back is very important to Mikel Arteta and his style of play.
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