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Arsenal told Saliba going to create a ‘huge problem’ for Arteta

By on November 10, 2026

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has said that Arsenal star William Saliba is going to create a ‘huge problem’ for Mikel Arteta.

After signing for the Gunners from Saint-Etienne back in 2019, the 25-year-old, valued at around £83m by Transfermarkt, initially struggled to break into Mikel Arteta’s starting line-up. So, he went out on loan on a few occasions to play regularly and develop his career.

However, since making his competitive debut for Arsenal in 2022, Saliba has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League. He even helped his side win the league title last term.

However, the defender has been out since picking up a back issue with France during the World Cup last summer. Arsenal decided to reinforce the backline by purchasing Ezri Konsa and he has enjoyed a stellar start this season, helping his side mount a title charge.

However, Saliba is close to returning to full fitness and on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand claims (via Metro) that Saliba’s return is going to create a ‘huge problem’ for Arteta as he currently has two elite centre-backs.

Konsa has become an ‘immovable object’ in Arsenal’s starting line-up, while Saliba can’t be kept on the bench as he is considered one of the best defenders in the world. Therefore, Arteta may use Konsa in the right-back position to create room for Saliba in the squad.

Arsenal told Saliba going to create problem for Arteta

Ferdinand said:

“Mikel Arteta has got a problem, he’s got a huge problem now. What is he going to do when William Saliba is fit? Ezri Konsa has come into that back-four and he looks like he’s been there for ten years. He looks like an immovable object in that team.

“But let’s not forget about Saliba and what he was doing when he was in the team. It’s a problem but it’s a problem that I hope Mikel Arteta will enjoy because he’s got two top centre-backs vying to be in the team. It’s a good position to be in. I think we will see Konsa sometimes playing right-back.”

Arsenal currently have Jurrien Timber and Ben White as specialist right-back options. However, if Arteta uses Konsa in the RB role, the duo may struggle to find regular game time.

Moreover, Cristhian Mosquera is also an option for the right side of the defence. So, Arteta would definitely find it difficult to keep every defender happy by give them the necessary game time.