Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has urged defender William Saliba to stay with the Gunners and become the “team to beat” | OneFootball

With just two games to go in the Premier League season, it has already been confirmed that it will be another year without silverware for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side, after The Gunners fell short both domestically and in Europe.

Following an ultimately disappointing season, this summer’s transfer window could potentially be the most pivotal for Arteta’s project and his future at the club, with The Gunners having to deal with a very thin squad throughout the season.

As is the case with any transfer window, the rumour mill has already started spinning out of control and one in particular could affect Arsenal’s plans for next season and that is the future of William Saliba, with Real Madrid being reported to be very interested in the talented French centre back.

Whilst there are rumours surrounding the Spanish giants interest, it looks increasingly likely that Arsenal will hold onto Saliba with a new deal being widely reported, with the 24 year olds contract entering its final two years.

Arsenal legend and fellow Frenchman, Emmanuel Petit has weighed in on the defender’s future at the club and believes Saliba is a crucial part in Arsenal proving people wrong next season.

Speaking to Casinozonderlimiet, Petit commented: “If Arsenal were to lose William Saliba, it would remind me of the days they needed money after moving to the Emirates, they don’t need to do that anymore. If you want to compete with the best clubs in Europe, you have to improve your squad every season and that happens by keeping hold of your best players.”

The 54-year-old discussed Arsenal’s season and what needs to change in order to take that next step towards silverware. He said: “They need to get back to the days of 25 years ago and be the team to beat, clubs were scared to play against us and we won titles and got to finals, we put in the steps but that was it.”

“Arsenal are still second and got to the semi-final of the Champions League so it’s about what happens next in the transfer market. We need to improve season after season and win the Champions League to prove people wrong.”

In a season that has been plagued by injuries to crucial players with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel all spending lengthy times on the sidelines, Arteta’s side have lacked a certain level of pace and cutting edge at times to get over the line. This was evident in the narrow loss to PSG in the semi finals of the Champions League.

Whilst they put in a spirited performance across both legs, a lack of composure and potency  in front of goal cost The Gunners a place in their first Champions League final in 19 years and the need for reinforcements this summer could not be any clearer.

In regard to the Champions League exit, Petit added: “After we lost against Paris Saint-Germain, the fans were mocking Arsenal because of that. It’s the same in England, you know, Arsenal are a good team, a good club, but everyone says that they are not one of the top clubs in Europe in terms of history.”

“That’s because they have failed and I’m tired of it. This team needs to change the situation and compete until the end and not just at the start.”

With the transfer window opening just next month, Petit made his thoughts very clear towards what newly appointed Sporting Director Andrea Berta and the Arsenal board need to do this summer. He said: “Arsenal have the cash to spend and they need to build on their current team and add strikers and wingers while keeping hold of their defenders.”

“The defence has been their strength in the last three or four seasons, one of the best defences in Europe and if they sign forwards but sell defenders this summer, what is the point?”