‘I’m surprised’: Jamie Carragher makes claim about Arsenal gem William Saliba

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Jamie Carragher has written in his weekly column for The Telegraph that he’s surprised Arsenal haven’t utilised William Saliba more this season.

The youngster signed for the Gunners for £27 million in the summer of 2019 and was loaned back to Saint-Etienne for the 2019/20 campaign.

He made 17 appearances before the season was cancelled and also helped the Ligue 1 outfit to the Coupe de France final.

It was anticipated he’d return to the Emirates Stadium and compete for a place in the team.

That hasn’t transpired though, with Saliba yet to make a first-team appearance for the Gunners.

Carragher admits he’s been surprised by the lack of game time for the young French enforcer.

He told The Telegraph: “I am surprised we have not seen more of highly-rated teenage defender William Saliba since his signing from Saint-Etienne, even though the youngster was sent off playing for the under-21s earlier this week.

“Arteta could get back on the right track by working with the top-class youngsters emerging from his academy.”

TBR View – Arteta has a decision to make over Saliba

Not playing football on a regular basis won’t do the 19-year-old defender any favours.

With that in mind, Arteta must decide whether to stick or twist with the youngster in January.

He may well view him as a star of the future but part of his development needs to be playing senior football.

A loan move could be on the cards with either France or the Championship the likely destinations.

With Arsenal struggling in the Premier League, Arteta might look to have him a chance during the second half of the season.

If he really isn’t ready yet, however, a loan move looks like the most sensible option.