William Saliba has become a top centre-back at Arsenal, thanks to Mikel Arteta's patience. In 2021, Saliba was two years into his Arsenal career without a senior appearance.
What happened to William Saliba's career?
Arsenal arranged a loan to OGC Nice, but refused a buy option, showing Arteta's long-term vision for Saliba.
The Frenchman was sent to Saint-Etienne, then Nice, and finally to Marseille on loan, where he earned a place in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year for the 2021/22 season.
Why did Mikel Arteta insist on no buy option?
Arteta's insistence on excluding a buy option demonstrated his belief in Saliba's potential, despite critics thinking he didn't fancy the player.
Mikel Arteta, the manager, had previously shown a ruthless streak, but with Saliba, he took a more delicate approach, biding his time before unleashing him as a fully-fledged Arsenal player.
What was William Saliba's reaction to the loan spells?
Saliba rejected approaches from Crystal Palace and Newcastle, opting for a third loan spell in France with Marseille, where he repaid the faith by earning a place in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year.
Arteta felt the Covid pandemic had hampered Saliba's progression, and the centre-back needed a year of transition, which the manager was trying to provide.
What is the outcome of Mikel Arteta's patience with William Saliba?
The patience has proved worthwhile, with Saliba now regarded as one of the finest centre-backs on the planet, and a key player for Arsenal, thanks to Arteta's belief and vision.
On the 2021/22 season, Saliba finished with a place in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year, and has since become a regular starter for Arsenal, proving Arteta's decision to keep him was the right one.
The Frenchman's journey to the top has required patience and belief from his manager, but the outcome has been worth it, with Saliba now a top centre-back in the world, and a key player for Arsenal.