Arsenal defender William Saliba feels his loans away improved him.

Saliba spent two years away from Arsenal before returning last summer.

“It was long because I was on loan the first year and then I came here, I didn't play for six months and then I was on loan for one and a half years," said Saliba.

“It's good sometimes to learn like this. I didn't play when I [first] came, so I learned a lot. I became a new man.

“It's important for the mentality and then I came back stronger last summer and I knew I would have a chance if I play well. I had the confidence of the coach and all the players, so it's easy for me. But yeah, it's a good experience because if it would have been easy, maybe I would not be happy as I am today."