At a Glance:
Arsenal identified William Saliba as a top target back in 2019.
A key exchange between Josh Kroenke and Per Mertesacker shaped the decision.
According to Simon Collings, the club moved quickly after that moment.
Arsenal’s move for William Saliba can be traced back to a key internal exchange in 2019 between Josh Kroenke and Per Mertesacker, according to Simon Collings.
The conversation came as the club searched for a long-term defensive leader, and it ultimately led them to identify Saliba as the best young option in Europe.
At the time, Arsenal wanted to recruit a defender in the mould of Virgil van Dijk. However, with elite options commanding fees close to £100 million, the club turned its focus towards emerging talent instead.
Arsenal’s 2019 search for a defensive leader led to Saliba
Kroenke wanted a Van Djik type player and reportedly asked Mertesacker a direct question during that process: who stood out as the best young defender in Europe.
The response came without hesitation.
‘Well unless you’ve got 100 million quid, you better not be thinking about him.’
Mertesacker pointed to William Saliba.
That moment proved decisive. Arsenal moved quickly to secure the Frenchman, recognising both his immediate potential and long-term value. While Saliba would spend time developing away from the first team, the club’s belief in his ability never wavered.
The decision now looks like one of the most important calls of the Arteta era.
Kroenke in 2019 wanted a Van Dijk type player:
“Per replied: ‘Well unless you’ve got 100 million quid, you better not be thinking about him.’
“Kroenke said: ‘Well who’s the best young defender in Europe?’
“Per turned without hesitation and said: ‘William Saliba’.” https://t.co/IO0eP3gfbY
— Simon Collings (@sr_collings) May 28, 2026
Saliba has become central to Arsenal’s defensive identity
Since establishing himself in the first team, Saliba has developed into one of Europe’s most reliable centre-backs. His composure on the ball, physical presence and reading of the game have helped transform Arsenal defensively.
More importantly, he has brought consistency.
Arsenal’s title challenge and defensive stability have relied heavily on his performances, particularly alongside Gabriel Magalhães. Together, they have formed one of the strongest partnerships in the Premier League.
Given that context, the 2019 decision carries even greater weight.
The long-term vision behind Arsenal’s recruitment strategy
This story highlights a broader shift in Arsenal’s recruitment approach.
Rather than chasing established stars at inflated prices, the club identified elite potential early and acted decisively. That strategy has defined much of Arteta’s rebuild, with Saliba standing out as one of the clearest examples.
It also reinforces the importance of internal alignment. Kroenke’s ambition and Mertesacker’s football insight combined to shape a decision that continues to benefit the team today.
For Arsenal, it was not just a transfer.
It was a statement of intent.