4 ways Arsenal can line up with William Saliba next season

2. Right Centre-Back Ahead of Benjamin White

Spending £50m+ on White when there was a £27m player already on the books for that position raised eyebrows. Eyebrows everywhere. North London turned into a Carlo Ancelotti fan club.

That money still remains an eye-watering amount, but is anyone really questioning it now? While the topic of resource distribution may still linger for some, White has looked every bit the part this season and should be in the conversation for Player of the Season. He’s had an excellent debut campaign for the club and been Arteta’s most used player. Sometimes you’ve got to spend.

Having Saliba turn up and start ahead of him is extremely ambitious. But, form can dip, injury can strike, and suddenly the guy on the periphery has grabbed his chance with both hands and isn’t look back.

As it stands, there is no way White drops out of this team at right centre-back. It just isn’t happening, and nor should it. As a partnership though, there are precious few areas of concern in a Gabriel and Saliba duo. Their skillsets complement each other

What else can White do, though? Play right-back. Fairly well, too. His time on the right side of a three and his penchant for a dribble have played their part. That would bring Saliba into the equation.

But that won’t happen either. The excellent right-back signed in the summer won’t drop out, and the £50m central defender won’t move to right-back. Nope.

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