Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has predicted that William Saliba will quickly earn a place in Arsenal's starting lineup next season.
Last summer, the Gunners agreed a deal to sign Saliba from the beginning of the 2020-21 campaign, allowing the teenager to spend another year at Saint-Etienne.
While it remains to be seen how the 18-year-old will settle in England's top flight, Silvestre feels that the centre-back will make an instant impression at the Emirates Stadium.
Speaking to Bet Pennsylvania, Saliba said: "William Saliba will start from the get-go when he joins Arsenal next season. He's currently playing for a struggling Saint-Etienne side, but his performances have been good and he's been consistent.
"Defensively he's strong, so he'll be looking to impress in pre-season. He'll need to adapt in that period, but he has enough time to learn from the Arsenal staff and players.
"He's still very young but has great experience from his time in Ligue 1. He'll continue to learn from the current centre-backs but he'll have a big part to play from day one."
Saliba, who turns 19 later this month, has already made 32 appearances for Saint-Etienne since his promotion to the senior ranks.
Darren Plant
