We are only three games into the season, and there are already so many things to talk about around Arsenal.
One of the more positive developments has been the emergence of Max Dowman, who, after being talked about for almost a year, finally made his Premier League debut against Leeds United in gameweek two.
He looked right at home in senior football, won a penalty and impressed Mikel Arteta enough to earn a substitute appearance away to Liverpool the following week.
Max-dowman-arsenal-leeds-united
It certainly feels like the youngster is destined to reach the top of the game, and it appears that Hale End has another gem on their hands in a 16-year-old who could be the perfect replacement for William Saliba.
William Saliba's Arsenal career
Arsenal signed Saliba from Saint-Étienne in the summer of 2019 - under Unai Emery - but as we all know, he wouldn't get his chance to play for the club until three years after that.
William-Saliba-saint-etienne
Instead, the young Frenchman was sent on three season-long loans, to his former club, OGC Nice and then finally Marseille, who even tried to sign him permanently due to his hugely impressive performances.
However, Arteta and Co. very wisely made it clear the Bondy-born monster was not for sale, and as he was named the Man of the Match in just his first game for the Gunners, it was instantly apparent to English fans why he was so highly rated in France.
Since then, the 24-year-old "monster," as dubbed by content creator Connor Humm, has amassed 137 appearances for the North Londoners, in which he's scored seven goals and provided two assists.
He has also been named in the PFA Team of the Year for three seasons on the bounce, which just goes to show the level of player Arteta has in his squad.
William Saliba's Arsenal Career
Appearances
Starts
Minutes
Goals
Assists
Points per Game
All Stats via Transfermarkt
However, while a new contract is reportedly in the works, his current deal expires in two years, and Real Madrid have constantly been linked with him over the last couple of transfer windows.
While Arsenal will be hoping Saliba remains at the club for years to come, if that's not the case, they might already have the perfect replacement brewing in a Hale End talent who could be a bit like Dowman.
Hale End's perfect Saliba replacement
It should go without saying that, at this very moment in time, Arsenal fans shouldn't expect an academy gem to come in and perfectly replace Saliba.
Now, that might sound like hyperbole, but we promise you it's not, as there is an enormous amount of excitement around the youngster from those in the know.
For example, Hale End expert Will Balsam has described him as the academy's "best defensive prospect in recent memory," which is almost as bold as respected analyst Ben Mattinson, who's claimed the 16-year-old is the "best CB Hale End has produced."
Moreover, he shares plenty of the same characteristics as the French international, with Balsam pointing out his "composure under pressure and ability to read the game", which pair brilliantly with his "mix of control and aggression."
It's not just outsiders who have high hopes for the youngster, either, as the club has already moved him up the U21s and Arteta gave him a run-out against Newcastle United and AC Milan in pre-season.
Finally, on top of everything we've already talked about, one of the biggest strengths of the Gunners' number two is his passing range, and according to Rising Stars XI, the Hale Ender is also more than accomplished at that.
Ultimately, Arsenal should do whatever they can to keep Saliba on the books for as long as possible, but they can rest assured that in Salmon, they'll have an ideal replacement a few years from now.