Overview
- Marcel Desailly said he “has to apologise” to William Saliba after previously doubting he could reach a world-class level.
- Saliba joined Arsenal in 2019 for around £27m, developed through loans in France including Marseille, and broke into the first team in 2022/23.
- After an initial back injury setback, he has become a near ever-present under Mikel Arteta and a key part of the leadership group.
- Desailly praised Saliba’s consistency and ceiling and said France can rely on him at the upcoming World Cup.
- He cautioned that Arsenal’s league campaign is far from settled and urged them not to be distracted by the Champions League or domestic cups.