Arsenal academy director Per Mertesacker insists William Saliba deserves a chance to succeed at the club.

Saliba has yet to feature for Arsenal after spending the past two seasons at St. Etienne and Marseille.

The France centre-back has returned to north London this summer, and Mertesacker believes Saliba deserves a chance to impress manager Mikel Arteta.

"What William has done in Marseille is magnificent," the former defender told HaytersTV. "So for us to really test him this summer and see what's best for him.

"He has clearly made his mark with his young age, with his playing in a major league in Europe and being one of the best players says it all. So why not use him?"