‘How is he not at Arsenal?’ – Saliba would WALK into Arteta’s team and is one of best defenders in France, says Mavididi

MONTPELLIER star Stephy Mavididi believes William Saliba is up there with the best centre-backs in the world – and is STUNNED he is not playing for Arsenal.

Mavididi, 23, a former Arsenal youngster, argues Saliba is one of the best centre-backs he has ever faced.

The striker is a big fan of Saliba and listed several attributes of the Frenchman he admires, stating he is certain to play for The Gunners next season.

In an interview with , Mavididi said: “That guy’s a player. He’s hands down one of the best defenders in the league, hands down.

“I think he’ll walk back into the Arsenal team next season.

“When I played against him I thought ‘How is this guy not playing at Arsenal?’ He’s strong, good on the ball, he reads the game well.

“He’s one of the best centre-backs I’ve faced.

“Everyone can talk about Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Jerome Boateng, but he’s up there.

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“He’s the one that surprised me the most. I’m an Arsenal fan too and playing against Saliba I thought ‘we’ve got a very decent defender here!'”

Saliba is impressing in his latest loan spell and considering a permanent stay on the French south coast if Marseille qualify for the Champions League.

His form is even attracting attention from Real Madrid, yet Mikel Arteta has failed to find a place in his team for the defender after loaning him to Nice last season.

Saliba also spent a year on loan at Saint-Etienne immediately after signing for The Gunners in 2019 but Arteta has opened the door for his return after being left impressed with his recent performances.

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