Mikel Arteta could soon pull off another long-game masterstroke at Arsenal – TBR View

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All is well at Arsenal right now, with the Gunners on a winning run and playing superb football along the way.

Mikel Arteta has certainly had his fair share of criticism over the years. However, now it looks as though everything is finally clicking together.

For so long, Arteta’s call to “trust the process” has been used almost disparagingly. Though with how Arsenal have been at times, it’s understandable.

Now, the makings of a great team are there, and a Premier League top-four place looks like a real possibility.

And today, a report from football.london suggests Arteta may soon have another ace up his sleeve.

The outlet claims Arsenal will review William Saliba’s situation at the end of the season, with preliminary talks over a new contract expected to take place.

The 20-year-old is currently on loan at Marseille, where he has been thriving. The Ligue 1 club apparently wants to sign him permanently.

However, football.london also claims Saliba wants to prove himself in the Premier League with Arsenal.

Great news on two fronts. This suggests the Gunners see the youngster as having a long-term future at the Emirates. And it also looks as though the player himself wants to stay.

Arteta wise to keep the pressure off Saliba

Saliba looked impressive at Saint-Etienne and has continued to develop on loan at Nice and Marseille.

Many called for Arteta to throw the player in at the deep end, but in hindsight, this probably wouldn’t have been a great idea.

Arsenal have struggled for quite a while, and their defence was pretty dire in the past.

Saliba coming in would’ve placed a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. He may well have expected to be their saviour, which would’ve been unrealistic.

Now, he’d come back a much more experienced and developed player, and he can start off deputising for Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes without too much initial pressure.

Jurgen Klopp is doing something similar at Liverpool with Ibrahima Konate, a superb young defender who’s learning bit by bit in a thriving, confident team with world-class players.

If all goes well, Arteta could have three world-class central defenders at his disposal next season, which would vindicate his seemingly stubborn stance on Saliba.