Gunners Legend On Inter Milan Vs Arsenal Champions League Clash: “Lautaro Martinez To Struggle Against William Saliba” | OneFootball

Arsenal legend Alan Smith believes Lautaro Martinez will struggle against William Saliba in tomorrow’s Champions League clash.

Smith, who spoke at an online event hosted by Instant Casino, told The Italian Football Podcast, that he thinks the Inter Milan captain will struggle against Arsenal’s French central defender William Saliba.

The 1994 Cup Winners Cup hero also stated that William Saliba is a better defender than Alessandro Bastoni.

Alan Smith famously scored the only goal of the game in the 1994 Cup Winners Cup Final against Parma.

Smith also won two English top flight league titles, one FA Cup as well as one League Cup during his eight seasons at Arsenal.

Arsenal Legend Alan Smith: “Lautaro Martinez Will Struggle Against William Saliba”

When asked about the Champions League clash where Inter Milan host Arsenal at the San Siro, Alan Smith was confident.

“It’s different formations. Inter will play a 3-5-2, which worked well against Manchester City. But with Inter being home, it will be a different kind of balance to the match.

“I see Arsenal being fairly cautious going to San Siro. Especially the way that they are feeling. Can they score a goal or two? And can they stop that strikeforce of Inter’s from scoring?

“I think they can. If Saliba and Gabriel are back at the top of their games, then the likes of Lautaro Martinez and Thuram will find it difficult against that pair.”

Alan Smith was then asked about if he would like to see Arsenal sign Lautaro Martinez.

“He is obviously a very good player who has been doing it at the top level for a long time. Whether now if that ship has sailed in terms of him coming to Arsenal?

“I mean he is 27. He isn’t old, of course he is not old. The profile is recruiting slightly younger players, But he has got a lot of good years left in him.

“He is definitely one of those that other clubs would be interested in. Whether he is interested in coming to England is a different matter,

“He is definitely a danger to Arsenal on Wednesday night.”

Alan Smith Prefers William Saliba To Alessandro Bastoni

The former Leicester City striker was asked who he prefers out of Alessandro Bastoni and William Saliba.

Smith was unequivocal about preferring the Frenchman whilst also heaping praise on the Inter defender.

“I think Saliba probably is one of the best centre halves in the world. Obviously Bastoni is up there as well. But it’s that elegance, that cultured play and ability on the ball, so I say Saliba.”

In conclusion Alan Smith gave his thought on the Declan Rice vs Nicolo Barella debate. Smith refused to pick a winner.

“Another close one. They are similar types of players. Maybe a draw there. Rice hasn’t reached the level of last season just yet. But there’s not much to split them.”

Alan Smith featured 351 times across all competitions for Arsenal in his eight seasons at the club, scoring 115 times.