Rio Ferdinand Warns Arteta That Saliba's Return Will Create 'Huge Problem'

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has argued that the return of Arsenal's William Saliba would create 'a huge problem' for manager Mikel Arteta. The former England international made the comments on his YouTube channel, highlighting concerns that Arteta may struggle to manage the situation once the French defender is fit to play again. Arteta signed Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa in the summer transfer window, and the young defender has already made an impact in Saliba's absence. Despite Saliba not having played for the Gunners this season, he is expected to make a long-awaited return from injury. The Frenchman was included in Arsenal's matchday squad for their Champions League clash against Slavia Prague last week. 'Mikel Arteta has got a problem; he's got a huge problem now,' Ferdinand said. 'What is he going to do when William Saliba is fit? Ezri Konsa has come into that back four, and he looks like he's been there for ten years. He looks like an immovable object in that team. That's what it feels like because he's just slid in there and taken that place. He looks dominant, aggressive and accustomed to wearing the Arsenal shirt.' Ferdinand's remarks suggest that Konsa's arrival could leave Arteta with a difficult decision when deciding how to field his defence in the future.