'He's the boss defensively' - Why Arsenal's William Saliba is the 'future of France' after first Les Bleus call-up

Arsenal defender William Saliba has received his first call-up for France despite having never pulled on a shirt for the Gunners in a competitive match. Signed by the north London club from Saint-Etienne in 2019, Saliba’s time at the club has seen him sent on a series of loans, with the centre-back currently playing for Ligue 1 side Marseille.

Ad/> While his future at the Emirates still remains unclear, the 20-year-old has obviously impressed enough back in his homeland to earn himself a call-up for the reigning world champions’ upcoming friendlies against Ivory Coast and South Africa. TransfersAtletico? Inter? Barca? Where does Dybala go now?AN HOUR AGO Eurosport France’s Cyril Morin explains exactly how Saliba has caught the eye of France head coach Didier Deschamps and what the future holds for the highly rated and increasingly improving youngster.

Was his selection expected? Maybe not the timing but he was one the names that has been often quoted for selection in recent months. He seemed very close at the end of 2021 after his fantastic start to the season but wasn’t selected.

With Benjamin Pavard now absent because of Covid, Saliba was the main candidate because Deschamps wants to play 3-4-3 therefore needs defenders with good appreciation of the game and good skills on the ball. Saliba in France squad for first time after impressive Marseille performances Dybala set for shock Juventus exit after breakdown in contract talks — reports ‘He didn’t feel well’ — Wales hopeful Bale will be fit for crucial World Cup playoff What kind of season has he had with Marseille so far? Terrific between August and November but had a bad time when OM dipped in form.