Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal return to Premier League action later this month (Picture: Getty)

Emmanuel Petit has told Mikel Arteta that Arsenal defender William Saliba is the ‘future of the club’.

Saliba, 21, has been one of Arsenal’s most important players this season, with his performances helping the Gunners storm five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Much was expected of Saliba when Arsenal spent almost £30m to sign him from Saint-Etienne in 2019, but it appeared as though he could turn out to be a big-money flop as he spent the next two years back in France on loan.

But Saliba won over Arteta last summer and has since been a mainstay in the team, starring alongside centre-back partner Gabriel as the Gunners have moved five points clear of defending champions Manchester City.

Saliba’s form earned him a place in France’s World Cup squad, although he has only featured in one game for the current holders, who knocked out England at the weekend.

‘William Saliba has made a huge leap forward this season, he’s asserted himself at Arsenal and he’s also a key part of the Gunners’ successful season,’ Petit told wettbasis.

‘He already seems very mature and very calm in his game. After first being on loan he wanted to show everyone, especially coach Mikel Arteta.

William Saliba has been one of Arsenal’s most important players this season (Picture: Getty)

‘He anticipates the opponent’s attacks very well, he is technically clean and he is now bursting with self-confidence.

‘He’s now one of the best defenders in the Premier League, that’s for sure. He is the future of Arsenal Football Club, but also of the French national team.’

Saliba will return to Arsenal after France’s World Cup campaign and quickly turn his attention back to the Premier League, with the Gunners facing West Ham on Boxing Day.

Arteta and the Arsenal players not involved in the World Cup are currently in Dubai for a warm weather training game. The Gunners beat Lyon last week and face AC Milan and Juventus before returning to London next week.

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