William Saliba criticises Mikel Arteta treatment at Arsenal

The French defender is unhappy at his lack of opportunities with the Gunners before joining Nice on loan last month

William Saliba is thriving on loan at Nice (Getty)

William Saliba has criticised Mikel Arteta for "judging" him after just two-and-a-half games before the Arsenal starlet was sent out on loan to Nice last month.

The French defender joined the Gunners for €30 million in 2019 from St Etienne and returned to the Ligue 1 club last season on loan.

But after returning to the club, Saliba was left disappointed with the lack of opportunities, featuring in just two EFL Trophy games.

A loan to Nice has seen his form pick up immediately, winning the club's player of the month award for January, with Saliba critical of his former manager.

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"It is clear that so much has changed in the last year," the 19-year-old told RMC Sport.

"When I saw that the coach changed, a lot changed for me too. In this year there has been a lot of change. He [Arteta] judged me on two-and-a-half matches. I would have liked for him to play me more. But he told me I wasn't ready.

"I was waiting for him to give me a chance, but football is like that. When I initially came to Arsenal the league looked very good, so I showed up to training and wanted to train on my own to show the coach I was ready.

"I am happy now. I want to play for Nice. The idea when you are part of a team is a better feeling for me."