Arsenal new boy William Saliba is eager to catch Mikel Arteta 's eye ahead of next season. The 19-year-old central defender has linked up with his new club after returning from a season-long loan spell at Saint-Etienne.

target Philippe Coutinho makes transfer request to agent Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reveals Stan Kroenke talks READ MORE Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta makes Man Utd and Chelsea honest admission Arsenal signed Saliba in a deal that could be worth up to £27million before allowing him to return to Ligue 1 outfit last summer.

The French league season was curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic but the Coupe de France final was pushed back to yesterday evening.

Saint-Etienne competed in the showpiece against PSG but Saliba could not feature after the club failed to agree a loan extension with Arsenal.

He has instead been training alone at the Gunners' London Colney HQ in an effort to make a 'big impression', according to the Telegraph , and intends to 'hit the ground running' despite missing out on the final.

Arsenal new boy William Saliba is looking to hit the ground running (Image: GETTY) READ MORE Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta addresses Mesut Ozil and Matteo Guendouzi Saliba made a quick trip back to France to attend the match at the State de France.

"I couldn’t miss this," he said. "As I am not able to play, I want to at least feel this final as much as possible, by supporting my team in the stadium. In front of the TV, it would not be the same.

"It was important for me to be there, hoping to see Les Verts win. It will also allow me to say goodbye to my teammates properly. Because I left like I was a robber."

Speaking about his decision to join Arsenal, Saliba told L'Equipe : "I fell for Arsenal from the start. A number of French players have been there.

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Trending "Arsenal has not been at the top of its game for the last three, four years. But, like St Étienne, its badge, its history and its fans made me want it.

"I have a crush on Arsenal. What it gives off speaks to me. I had no hesitation.

"I am discovering another world."

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