One for the future: William Saliba signs with Arsenal

This one’s been all-but-official for a while, but now it’s actually a done deal: William Saliba is a Gunner. Eventually.

Saliba, as you know by now, will stay where he is for a season. Saint-Etienne has made a loan back to them for the first year a condition of the deal, and since Saliba’s only 18, that’s not the worst thing in the world. He’ll be able to develop for another season and come to London next season physically bigger, with more game experience under his belt, and should be able to make a fairly immediate impact, even as a 19 year old.

I know it’s hard to get excited about signing a player who won’t play for Arsenal for a season yet, but this is a really good move from the club, and hopefully Saliba’s development continues as it has. If so, he’ll be a welcome addition next season.