‘It helps’: TalkSPORT pundit says £27m man is having a huge impact on the way Arsenal play this season

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Gabriel Agbonlahor has told TalkSPORT that William Saliba is having a huge impact on the way Arsenal play this season. 

Saliba signed for the Gunners back in 2019 for a fee worth £27 million (BBC) but was sent out on loan to Ligue 1 for three years.

But now the 21-year-old has returned from his spell at Marseille and broken straight into Mikel Arteta’s side this season.

The French centre-back has been brilliant for Arsenal in their opening Premier League games and even put in a man of the match performance on his debut against Crystal Palace. 

Saliba having huge impact this season

And Agbonlhaor thinks the young defender is now allowing Arsenal to play in a more attacking style.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, the former Aston Villa striker heaped praise on Saliba for what he’s allowed Arteta’s men to do this season. 

He said: “I think as well, you know you’ve got Saliba back there. It helps as well, they can take more risks going forward.”

The Gunners thrashed Bournemouth 3-0 yesterday evening and Saliba bagged his first goal for the club.

The youngster scored from range with a fantastic effort with his weaker foot as Arsenal continued their perfect start to the season. 

Saliba did score an own-goal in the Gunners’ 4-2 win over Leicester last weekend. But that was mainly down to a mix-up between him and Aaron Ramsdale. 

At just 21, Saliba is showing great maturity in the early stages of his Arsenal career and looks set to be a mainstay in Arteta’s side this season.

To facilitate the France international, Arteta has even moved Ben White out to right-back. And it’s certainly paid off for the Spaniard so far as the Gunners have already kept two clean sheets in three games.

Saliba has been solid for Arsenal so far this season and Arteta will be hoping the youngster can continue this form throughout the campaign.