Former Arsenal defender Mathieu Debuchy has admitted that he is excited at the prospect of one of Europe’s brightest young players featuring for his old club next season.

In what turned out to be Unai Emery’s final transfer window at the club, the Gunners spent heavily during last summer as Nicolas Pepe moved to the Emirates stadium for a club-record fee while William Saliba’s signature was also secured.

Following the signing of the defender, Arsenal decided to send him back out to France on loan with Saint-Etienne in order for him to gain more experience.

The 18-year-old has been troubled by injuries this term but his performances when fit have been very promising.

According to former Gunner Mathieu Debuchy, who is Saliba’s teammate at Saint-Etienne, the young defender deserves a place at a ‘big club like Arsenal’.

For Debuchy, the prospect of the teenager featuring for Arsenal next campaign is something to be ‘happy’ about.

Debuchy told ‘The Official Ligue 1 Podcast‘: “He’s a great player. I’m so happy for him to play next season for a big club like Arsenal.

“He improves every game and I think he is a great player. He’s strong with good technique. He’s quick.

“I think he has a lot of quality to play at Arsenal.”

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