Mikel Arteta urged to copy what Arsene Wenger did ‘brilliantly’ at Arsenal amid William Saliba transfer rumours

Arsenal are set to face a challenge to keep William Saliba as Real Madrid are reported to admire the defender.

With strong form comes strong admiration, as Arsenal are realising with regard to Saliba’s future.

It’s been speculated that Real Madrid see Saliba as their top target, giving Edu and Mikel Arteta a job to keep the Frenchman in North London.

While focus at the Emirates remains firmly on the quest for silverware, the manager has been urged to take inspiration from Arsene Wenger on the subject of interest in his key player.

Mikel Arteta could repeat Arsene Wenger’s transfer masterclass with William Saliba

There isn’t a standout player at Arsenal currently however, when it comes to the most important, Saliba is certainly up there.

The Frenchman’s presence in the squad since the 2022/23 campaign has raised the bar at the Emirates significantly, making Real Madrid’s rumoured interest a concern.

While Arsenal are said to be relaxed about interest in Saliba, Arteta has now been urged to copy Wenger’s management of Patrick Vieira when it comes to his prized centre-back.

Discussing the rumours about Saliba on the Inside Arsenal podcast, journalist James Benge pinpointed Wenger’s strategy as something Arteta should study.

“It feels like what Arsenal are looking at here is maybe trying to manage the situation in the same way as Arsene Wenger brilliantly managed Patrick Vieira,” Benge said to Charles Watts.

“Every single year he just somehow managed to cling on and then by the time he went, he had been on that crest of the wave long enough that it was slightly downhill from there.”

After spending nine years at Arsenal, Vieira left the club in 2005 to join Juventus, with Wenger ensuring that the Frenchman’s prime years were spent at Highbury.

Benge’s evaluation rings true, with the Gunners now in a position to do the same with Saliba, who continues to perform as one of Europe’s best.

Parallels between Saliba and Patrick Vieira situation at Arsenal

Wenger kept Vieira at Arsenal by using a number of methods, including making the player feel important and, ensuring that the project on offer didn’t fizzle out.

The midfielder was not only club captain but was an integral part of the success under Wenger throughout his time at Arsenal.

Vieira left in 2005 with three Premier League medals and four FA Cup wins, as Wenger kept him on his toes enough to prolong his time at Highbury.

The same must now be done by Arteta with Saliba, whether it be through satisfying the player financially or by ensuring his need for success is met domestically.

While Arteta has presented his squad with an incredible project, the goals must be achieved in order to keep players on board, with silverware a must in the near future.