Mikel Arteta given worrying William Saliba update and has decision to make - 'Not the same'

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been told to drop a star player as the team prepare to face Manchester City

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been urged to make the bold decision of dropping William Saliba during a crucial period of the campaign. The centre-half has been a cornerstone of the Gunners' defence for several years.

The 25-year-old's formidable partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes has proved instrumental in Arsenal's transformation into Premier League title challengers. The league leaders have again conceded the fewest goals this season, highlighting the significance of Saliba's performances.

He is regarded as being among the best in the world in his position. However, the France international faced criticism for his showing against Sporting CP on Wednesday, despite Arteta's side securing a clean sheet and advancing to the Champions League semi-finals.

BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton has suggested that the defender has dropped below his usual standards at a critical juncture in the season. Saliba returned to action last month following a short absence due to an ankle problem.

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Speaking at half-time during Arsenal's stalemate with Sporting CP, Sutton said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Saliba, since he got into the Arsenal team, he has been an absolute rock at the back, but he does not look the player he once was."

Sutton is not alone in his assessment that Saliba's performances have dipped. Italian footballing legend Marco Materazzi has recently called upon the Arsenal manager to deploy his fellow countryman Riccardo Calafiori in central defence alongside Gabriel.

"I think Riccardo Calafiori is one of the best Italian defenders right now," Materazzi told Hajper. "He grew very fast when he was at Bologna.

"Now Arsenal must believe in him. The best way for Arsenal is for Calafiori to be allowed to play his best football.

"For me, Calafiori is best at centre-back. Arsenal should play Calafiori with Gabriel instead of William Saliba. He has a very good left foot."

The 23-year-old has predominantly featured at left-back since completing his move to the Gunners in 2024. Calafiori was absent for the Sporting game and is among several Arsenal players battling fitness concerns.

A major fixture looms large for the Gunners as they gear up to take on title challengers Manchester City on Sunday. Arteta's men currently hold a six-point advantage, having played one game more, though a defeat at the Etihad Stadium would cut that margin in half.

The club's recent defeat to City in the Carabao Cup final, combined with further losses to Southampton in the FA Cup and Bournemouth in the Premier League, has cast a shadow over Arsenal's title credentials. With six matches remaining, Arteta is determined to bring an end to the club's 22-year wait for league glory.