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      Ex-Arsenal wonderkid who earned £10,000-a-night playing Fortnite signs for new club after turning down contract offer

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      A FORMER Arsenal star who earned £10,000-a-night playing Fortnite has joined a new club.Reuell Walters turned down a new deal at the Gunners in order to pursue first-team football elsewhere, and has found a new home with nearby Luton.Reuell Walters has joined Luton after turning down a new Arsenal dealCredit: Luton TownWalters, 19, is a versatile defender capable of playing in both central and wide defensive positions.The England Under-20 star joined Arsenal in 2020 from Tottenham before signing a pro deal in 2022.But, after failing to make a first-team appearance, he has now signed a four-year deal with Championship side Luton as they bid to earn promotion back to the Premier League.Speaking to club media, Walters said: “I’m really excited by the challenge ahead. I think I resonate with all the club’s beliefs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I like the style of play, I get along with Rob really well and there are a few friendly faces from the past here as well.”Zack Nelson and Axel Piesold were at Tottenham’s academy with me when I was younger. “We’ve known each other from when we were young and have kept in contact the last few years, so some things just come back around.”As well as having skills on the pitch, Walters is also handy with a controller or keyboard and mouse, in particular Fortnite.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBack in November 2019, the youngster got an email from the game’s creators to say he’d made £16 for his RJW’s BoxPVP map.Dad Raphael said: “He said ‘I just made $20 for my map. People are in my map and when they buy stuff with their V-Bucks, I get a commission, so I made $20.'”Best ten new Premier League kits for next seasonIt’s estimated his map was used 250million times in one week.In a video posted by 101GreatGoals, linking to UnderArmour, Walters added: “Obviously we weren’t allowed to leave our homes so I picked up a different hobby where everyone loves the game.”I think as a teenage boy I was playing Fortnite with my friends and they were talking to me about how they just wanted to play this game mode and how it hadn’t been made before.”So I just decided, you know, I’ll make something for them to play.”The map has proven to be a popular one, with a staggering 250 million people downloading it.And all the downloads led to Walters earning a cool £10,000 a night for a week straight.So I just decided, you know, I’ll make something for them to playReuell Walters 101GreatGoalsRob Edwards also hailed the transfer as Walters became the Hatters second signing of the summer. He said: “Reuell is another person we are delighted to bring into the club. He’s a really exciting signing – a dynamic, quick, talented young player.”He’s had a brilliant upbringing at a couple of top clubs, and we are so pleased to get his move done.”Pathway is very important to him. That is one of the reasons why he is leaving Arsenal. “He had a number of inviting options, but we are so glad that he chose us and sees us as the right step to take on his journey now.”He’s got brilliant support, great family. He’s got loads of ability and high potential.”He can play in a number of positions – right-back, right centre-back, right wing-back – and he’d be able to do the middle as well. He’s got lots of strings to his bow.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He’s a young player, so there is no pressure. But we see him as someone who could potentially make an impact this season and I really hope he does. “We’re looking forward to getting to working with him.”Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      Arsenal’s Lia Walti backs compatriot Xhaka to shine in Switzerland’s Euros knockout battle with England

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      LIA WALTI is backing Granit Xhaka to continue shining for Switzerland when they battle England for a Euros semi-final spot today.And the Arsenal midfielder is relishing the chance to fulfil her dream of playing in a Women’s Euros on home soil, with Switzerland hosting the contest next year.Lia Walti believes Granit Xhaka’s influence will be key for Switzerland against EnglandCredit: PAThe Bayer Leverkusen midfielder has impressed for his country during their run to the Euros quarter-finalCredit: APSwitzerland, whose players include Man City defender Manuel Akanji, knocked holders Italy out in the Euros last 16 stageCredit: AFPWalti, 31, who has been monitoring her compatriots’ progress in the men’s tournament in Germany, sees Murat Yakin’s side as one of the contest’s dark horses.And she believes the influence of Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Xhaka, 31, and Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji, 28, will be key to Switzerland’s chances.The duo have flourished at the Euros with their team picking up two wins and two draws on their way to a last eight duel with England in Dusseldorf.A win against Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions would see their side reach the contest’s last-four stage for the first time in their history.Read More Football StoriesThe Switzerland Women’s skipper, who has 119 senior international caps, said: “Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji have had big, big seasons with their clubs on an individual and team level.”They’re two leaders who help carry the team and a lot depends on their performance if the system continues to be successful.”Tournament football can be full of surprises and anything can happen. “Switzerland have shown a lot in the past they can beat the big teams.Most read in Football”It’s all a matter of performing on the day. You can be prepared for the game, but you don’t know what’s going to happen.”You just have to believe and build something with your own team and believe you’re going to be lucky enough that you have the better day.”Switzerland’s Euros knockout clash with England comes three months after ex-Arsenal star Xhaka helped his current club Bayer Leverkusen storm their way a title win in Germany’s top-flight.The team, managed by Xabi Alonso, went unbeaten with 28 wins and six draws In April they were crowned Bundesliga champions for the first time in the club’s history. Walti added: “When Xhaka was at Arsenal we spoke quite a lot.”I really appreciate him because if you go through so many up and downs as he did, and you fight your way back when there is so much pressure, then you deserve respect.”He’s a great guy and a leader and a role model on the pitch. “He’s leading Switzerland in the best possible way to help the team to be successful.”During this year’s tournament Walti, teamed with vegan food firm Beyond Meat to help launch their new jalapeno burger.The WSL star is supportive of Uefa’s push to have one hundred per cent plant-based foods available at all stadiums at this year’s Euros.And the Arsenal ace teamed up with vegan food influencer Alfie Steiner to come up with a Jalapeno Crunch Burger recipe.Walti has joined forces with vegan food chef Alfie Steiner to promote the launch of Beyond Meat’s jalapeno burgerWalti, who joined Arsenal six years ago from German side Turbine Potsdam, added: “When food companies try to make alternative as close as possible to meat, it’s not always great.”But I think we created a really cool recipe and I actually loved it. It had a bit of a spicy kick.”For a couple of years I’ve been trying to reduce eating meat and eating fish just because I think it’s the right thing to do.“I’m part of a campaign called Football for Future and I’m proud to support innovative things like this where I can eat less meat to help the planet. “When I was a kid going to matches including (games at) the Euros and watching games at stadiums, we always ate a burger at half time during the games or before the games.”Next summer will see Walti’s home country host a Women’s Euros for the first time in their history. Reigning champions England are among the teams battling for an automatic qualification spot. The Lionesses will take on the Republic of Ireland and Sweden this month in their next round of qualifiers for next summer’s Euros.Matches in the 16-team tournament will be held in eight venues in eight cities across the country. In February this year, the Federal Council of Switzerland’s announcement that it planned to cut tournament funding after initially pledging 15 million Swiss Francs, was met with criticism.However that decision went on to be reversed in May following a vote within the Swiss Assembly.Walti hopes that the tournament can be catalyst for growing the women’s domestic game in her country and pushing women’s and girls’ football in the right direction.The midfielder adds: “There aren’t many players who get to experience a home tournament during their careers. “It’s something really, really special. This is something you dream about as a player”If somebody told me, four or five years ago (Switzerland would be hosting the tournament), I wouldn’t have believed it.”We’re a little bit behind in Switzerland with women’s football. If you look around Europe and see how many professional leagues now.”I do hope the tournament is going to give a big boom for young girls who want to play football.”We need more girls who are going to give us competition when we’re older to have to make a choice on who is going to be in the national team.”We don’t have professional league at the moment (in Switzerland).Walti hopes Switzerland hosting next year’s Women’s Euros will help women’s football to evolve in the countryCredit: Getty”We do have some clubs who pay players part-time salaries, but it’s really not good enough at the minute.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I hope that women’s football is going to be more visible (after the tournament). “We want to help the girls to have the same opportunity as the boys and men as well.” More

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      Ex-Arsenal star Vivianne Miedema seals three-year switch to Manchester City and hopes ‘best years are still to come’

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      VIVIANNE MIEDEMA hailed her stunning Manchester City move as the “best fit” for her after joining the WSL giants as a free agent today.And the former Arsenal star, 27, is hopeful her best years on the pitch are still to come after sealing a three-year move to the Cityzens.Vivianne Miedema sees Manchester City’s football style as a good fit for herThe Netherlands forward’s contract with Man City will run until the summer of 2027Miedema’s move as a free agent comes two months after her departure from Arsenal after spending seven years with the GunnersCredit: PAHer contract with her new club will run until the summer of 2027. The Netherlands all-time record goal scorer had been heavily linked with the Manchester giants following her departure from the Gunners in May, after seven years at the club.The prolific forward will wear City’s number six shirt previously donned by ex-Cityzens skipper Steph Houghton before her retirement at the end of last season.Her switch to a team, pipped to the WSL title on goal difference by champions Chelsea last term, is a huge coup for boss Gareth Taylor’s side.Read More Football StoriesIt is also one of the biggest moves in this summer’s transfer window A window that has also seen London City Lionesses sign Kosovare Asllani, England star Fran Kirby join Brighton, and Mary Earps sign for Paris Saint-Germain after leaving Manchester United.In an interview for Man City’s web site, Miedema said:  “When I first heard Man City were interested, I thought, ‘ooh, that’s really interesting’.“They’re one of the clubs I’ve always followed to make sure they are doing well.Most read in Football“I’ve followed their development and with those two points together and the way they play football in the WSL made it, in the end, a pretty easy choice for me.”Having thought really hard about my future after leaving Arsenal, the main thing that popped up was that I want to be at a team that’s playing good football.”In women’s football right now City have got a clear philosophy.“They did really well last season and if I look at the way I want to play, it really suits this. “In the end it’s obviously a massive bonus that I do stay in the WSL. I think it was the best fit for me.”Miedema, regarded as one of world’s best strikers, is currently Arsenal’s all-time record scorer in the WSL having netted 126 goals for her old club.The player, is also currently the all-time top scorer in the WSL having netted 80 goals in the division.Last season saw Miedema’s game time hampered by injury following her return to match action last October from an 11-month spell out with an anterior cruciate ligament rupture.She made 14 appearances for the Gunners last term and also underwent minor knee surgery in March which kept her sidelined for several weeks. If I get back to my best again we can achieve really nice things together.Vivianne MiedemaDuring her time with Arsenal, Miedema won four major trophies including a WSL title back in 2019.And the Dutch forward, who won the Euros in 2017 in a Netherlands side then managed by Sarina Wiegman, hopes to bring her best form to her new team.Miedema adds: “I’m only 27 and I haven’t played as much football as I have wished over the last two years, but I hope my best years are still to come and I hope that’s here at City.“I hope to be able to help the team as much as I can do. “I am just really excited to be part of the team and for the girls to hopefully help me and get me back to my best.”If I get back to my best again then we can achieve really nice things together.”Miedema’s Man City move will see her join Netherlands team-mates Jill Roord and Kerstin Casperij at the club.The forward is due to link up with her national team this month before their Women’s Euros qualifier games against Italy and Norway on 12th and 16th of July.Miedema’s switch sees her renunited with her old Arsenal team-mate Jill RoordCity Women’s boss Taylor said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming Viv to City and seeing her flourish over the next three years. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Our ambition is to compete on the highest stage and for the highest honours, and Viv is aligned to this desire. “She’s a top talent that I’m excited to work with as she’s a player I’ve always admired. Viv will be a real asset to the team.”  More

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      Arsenal fans fume at ‘underwhelming Xhaka downgrade’ as Gunners battle Barcelona for ex-Newcastle star transfer

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      ARSENAL fans have been left fuming at an “underwhelming Granit Xhaka downgrade” as they battle Barcelona for Spain ace Mikel Merino.The former Newcastle star has spent the past six years with Real Sociedad, helping them become one of LaLiga’s top sides.Arsenal are targeting a move for Spain and Real Sociedad star Mikel MerinoCredit: GettySome fans believe the Barcelona target is a downgrade on Granit XhakaCredit: GettyBut Merino’s contract expires at the end of next season.And clubs are preparing to go to war over his signature.Barcelona are thought to be leading the chase for Merino, who operates as a deep-lying playmaker.But Catalan chiefs fear Arsenal could hijack the move as Mundo Deportivo claims Mikel Arteta sees him as a Xhaka replacement.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSThe Swiss star left for Bayer Leverkusen last summer, helping them win their first ever title.Arsenal used both Thomas Partey and Jorginho in Xhaka’s place despite signing Declan Rice for £100million.But Arteta wants a new No6 to take control of midfield and allow Rice to push forward in attack.Merino’s profile fits the bill, while his experience means he will be expected to hit the ground running.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHowever, some Arsenal fans are not keen on the proposed move.One said: “An underwhelming Xhaka downgrade.”Meet the Arsenal Wags behind Gunners’ successAnother declared: “Merino in the Xhaka role? I really want Ebe Eze.”One noted: “I really don’t think this is good enough for a team that wants to win the league and challenge for Europe.”But one fan believes Merino would be a good fit.They added: “Merino is a tall Xhaka and a bit faster. Hope we sign him, he is a very good player for midfield.”Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      Tipped to be Slovenia’s greatest ever player, it’s little wonder Benjamin Sesko has Arsenal and Chelsea on red alert  

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      HE is the latest Bundesliga star to attract serious interest from the big boys of the Premier League.Once upon a time it was Erling Haaland. Now, Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is the name on everyone’s lips, a supreme talent that is on every transfer wish list back in England.Slovenia’s Benjamin Sesko was tipped to move to the Prem before the EurosCredit: AFPThe 21-year-old has already made a name for himself in the BundesligaCredit: GettyArsenal and Chelsea – to name just a few – were hopeful of luring the 21-year-old to the bright lights of London this summer after netting 18 goals in all competitions last season, ready to trigger an appealing £55m release clause.But it says a lot about this young player’s mindset and maturity that he recently decided to sign a new long-term deal with Leipzig instead.There is a composure and an aura around the Slovenian which is hard to ignore. A self-confidence that his time in the Prem spotlight will come – just not yet.Not that the spotlight has avoided his towering 6ft5 stature over in Germany during the Euros, showing glimpses of why he is such a wanted man.read more on EnglandAs such, he is embracing Slovenia’s Group C showdown with England on Tuesday, a chance to pit himself against players he may well call teammates before too long.Speaking to SunSport, he said: “To be honest, with the pressure, I put it on the bright side.“It’s a good kind of pressure. If you have the opportunity where people can talk about you, doesn’t matter if it’s good or bad, there’s something about you and it means I have done something good in the past and people are talking about it.“I always put it on the bright side and I am happy to be a part of this.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“It’s definitely a good chance for me to play in this type of tournament. I’m really proud of myself to be a part of the team and be here and for the experience and the self-growth.“It’s really important for me and for my career in general. It’s been an amazing time and I’m looking forward to more of this.”SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesSlovenian journalists – who have covered Sesko’s journey ever since he took the plunge at the age of 15 to leave his home in a small village in Radece and join Red Bull Salzburg in 2019 before agreeing to join Leipzig last summer – are in awe of this kid.They happily admit they have never seen or met anyone like him – a unique presence matched with an eye-catching ability.Having scored 11 times in 31 caps, he is already tipped to be Slovenia’s greatest ever product, with many predicting he will soon eclipse Zlatko Zahovic’s national goalscoring record of 35 sooner rather than later.Sesko holds the country’s footballing hopes on his enormous shoulders. He added: “It’s good that I can be that. We have to know that I am still young and there will be plenty more games, tournaments, so I am always going to be there for the team.“Sometimes I am lucky, sometimes I am not. It is just about the position I am in at the moment. It’s my status. I always help my team as much as I can and do my best.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYHe is yet to find the net at his first major tournament, but came agonisingly close in Slovenia’s opening 1-1 draw with Denmark, smacking the post from range late on.Two points from two games sees Slovenia needing an unlikely result against the Three Lions to stand any chance of reaching the last 16 in their first Euros campaign for 24 years.Sesko’s impressive conviction shines through again when asked what he thinks of England’s stuttering start in the Euros and whether Slovenia could catch them cold.He explained: “Yeah we definitely can. They know that we have played two great games.“They’re not at their best. They are still doing great of course, but now is the best opportunity to play against them and show them the best we can do. I am sure we are going to shine.”Sesko admits to watching clips of England skipper and Bayern Munich man Harry Kane on his journey to becoming a top European goal-getter – not that he believes they are one of the same, having already sized him up in the Bundesliga this term.He said: “Every single season [Kane] scores plenty of goals and he is a great striker – a different type to me but still the position and what a striker needs.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He is a great example to learn from. It’s amazing that I am going to play against him and try to copy him in a couple of positions.“I watch him, I watch a lot of strikers and try to learn from them and hope to learn from him too.” More

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      Man Utd and Arsenal learn mammoth transfer fee for Xavi Simons as they battle Bayern for PSG star

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal have been told to cough up a king’s ransom of £85million for Euro 2024 star Xavi Simons.The playmaker is currently lighting up the tournament for Holland.Man Utd and Arsenal have been told to pay £85m for Xavi SimonsCredit: GettyAnd interest is high in Paris Saint-Germain’s next superstar.Simons, who has only played 11 games for the French side since joining from Barcelona in 2019, spent last season on loan at RB Leipzig.He bagged eight goals and 11 assists during his time in Germany.And Bild claims United, Arsenal and Bayern Munich have all put Simons high on their shopping lists.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited are known to be in the market for a new midfielder, with Simons boasting all the qualities needed for an attacking No8.While Arsenal are determined to continue building a mega-star squad so they can go one better than the previous two seasons by lifting the Premier League title.As for Bayern, they are ready to tear their squad up and rebuild under new boss Vincent Kompany.Simons took to German football like a duck to water and would slot straight in alongside Jamal Musiala.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHowever, PSG are reluctant to lose Simons while never seeing him shine at the Parc des Princes.Luis Enrique still hopes to convince the Dutch maestro to stay put and finally have a proper season in the French capital.Barcelona youth sensation Xavi Simons snapped up by PSG – here is whyAnd to ward interested clubs off, PSG have reportedly put an £85m price tag on Simons.The eye-watering fee is likely to keep suitors at bay for now, especially United who need to sell before they can buy.But as the window goes on, and should Simons express a strong desire to move on, PSG could be forced to lower that fee.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Fans ‘gutted’ for Scotland star Kieran Tierney after Arsenal ace stretchered off during crunch Euro 2024 clash

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      SCOTLAND star Kieran Tierney’s Euro 2024 appears to be over after he was stretchered off against Switzerland.The Arsenal full-back, 27, suffered the injury around the hour mark of their crunch draw with the Swiss with the score locked at 1-1.Kieran Tierney’s Euro 2024 looks to be over after he suffered an injuryCredit: PAThe star went down in agony with what appeared to be a hamstring injuryCredit: RexTeam-mates quickly moved to console the devastated defenderCredit: RexA stretcher then carried him off as he covered his face with his handsCredit: APIt occurred when opposition forward Dan Ndoye spun the defender and raced away on goal only to fire off target.Just as he pulled the trigger, Tierney appeared to place his foot on the ground awkwardly as he tried to get back and looked to have hyper-extended his knee.And he soon fell to the turf in agony with what appeared to be a torn hamstring.Scotland medics raced on to the touch to treat him, but they were soon calling for a stretcher to take the devastated ace back to the dressing-room as Scott McKenna replaced him.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Tierney, who spent last season on loan in Spain at Real Sociedad, looked completely distraught as he was carried off as he covered his face with his hands while his team-mates tried to console him.And it did not take long for former players and fans to react to the crippling blow.Ex-Scotland striker Steven Thompson told BBC Sportsound: “He is done, he’s done his hamstring. This is terrible news for Scotland.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“That is really, really disappointing.”Most read in FootballEx Scotland winger Pat Nevin said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “Kieran Tierney’s game is done.Buckie for sale and Tartan Army super singing creates cracking Cologne atmosphere“He’s been injured enough times in his career to know when something has gone wrong. That’s his hamstring absolutely gone there.”Fans soon joined in as they offered their sympathies for the much-loved ace.One wrote: “This brought tears to my eyes, Tierney cannot catch a break.“Prayers for Kieran”Another commented: “This doesn’t look good for Tierney man. Lets hope he didn’t do his ACL there. Comeback stronger and better.”While a third wrote: “Oh no. Kieran Tierney. “That’s a full hamstring. Hyperextended and gone again. Poor guy feel so sorry for him.”The star has suffered two spells on the sidelines over the past season with hamstring injuries.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYTierney left boyhood club Celtic for Arsenal in 2019 and won the FA Cup during his first season there.But his first-team chances have reduced since Oleksandr Zinchenko and then Jurrien Timber arrived at the Emirates in the last two seasons.Just last August the Gunners reportedly wanted £30million for the former Celtic hero before they eventually allowed him to go out on loan.But he was hardly a roaring success during his 2023-24 loan with Sociedad, making only 14 LaLiga starts.READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal are now willing to offload Tierney this summer for around £10m.However, a lengthy spell on the sidelines could scupper that.Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      William Saliba ignoring his Arsenal team-mates at Euro 2024 as he opens up on France breakthrough

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      WILLIAM SALIBA is ignoring his Arsenal teammates as the defender bids to defy his France doubters.The Gunners star, 23, has decided not to keep in touch with his club pals playing for other nations during Euro 2024 in a bid to give everything to France.William Saliba is focusing on France and not talking to his Arsenal teammates while at Euro 2024Credit: GettyAsked whether he was in contact with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, he said: “I haven’t spoken to anyone from Arsenal. I will leave them be for the tournament.”The coach is on vacation, you have to leave him alone. I already see my teammates enough during the season!”My France teammates are giving me enough support.”Saliba admitted he was surprised to be given a start in Les Bleus’ opener against Austria on Monday, keeping a clean sheet in Dusseldorf as Didier Dechamps men won 1-0.READ MORE ON EURO 2024While many have hailed Saliba as one of the best defenders in the Premier League under Mikel Arteta, he has struggled to make his mark with France.Dayot Upamecano, who started alongside Saliba against Austria, and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate are the usual pairing at the back at international level.The Gunners man has not had many chances to show he can replicate his Arsenal form for his country and earlier this year was even criticised by his manager.Speaking in March, Deschamps said the defender was having a good season but “does things that I don’t like so much.”Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut the veteran France boss has been impressed by Saliba’s performances in training since the squad gathered at Clairefontaine last month and gave him the nod ahead of Konate against Austria.There were a couple of hairy moments at times in Dusseldorf, but Saliba ended with a clean sheet and praise from fans and reporters back home.Arsenal star William Saliba shows off collaboration with Crocs as bemused fans say ‘I can’t believe this is real’It was a crucial step for someone who has struggled with confidence when it comes to international football – admitting when speaking from their Paderborn base that playing for his country brings added pressure.Asked if the start came as a surprise, Saliba said: “I wasn’t really expecting it but when I got called up for the Euros you know you have to be ready for the team.”I played the last friendly and kept a clean sheet and now I’ve got more confidence than the previous matches.”The national team jersey is heavier than the club jersey, we have a whole country behind us.”Competition is intense. We are lucky to have a lot of good centre backs.”Usually it’s Upamecano and Konate who start and who set the bar high.”So I know that when I start I must not do less than that. We pull each other up, we’re all friends.”Saliba’s journey with France – having to silence critics and show his class under pressure – is nothing new.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYArsenal signed the young defender from St. Etienne in 2019, sending him back to the French club for that season.Two more loans, to Nice and Marseille, followed before finally being given a chance at The Emirates and becoming the formidable force fans see today.Saliba added: “When I was on loan I wanted to come back to Arsenal and show that I can play in this team and it was the same with the national team.”I want to start games and prove that the coach can count on me. I will try to do my best when the coach needs me.”Having had doubts early on in his career, it was at Marseille where things really clicked.He said: “The biggest turnaround was when I went on loan to Marseille.”The first six months at Arsenal I didn’t play and then went to Nice for six months.”Afterwards when I went to Marseille I improved a lot quickly. That gave me my first step into the French team. READ MORE SUN STORIES”There was a year and a half between Nice and Marseille and it was good to stay at the top level.”Having taken his chance at a major tournament with France, Saliba is hoping for another shot when Les Bleus face the Netherlands in Leipzig on Friday night – an opportunity to repeat the trick of his growth at Arsenal with his country.France Euro 2024 guideFRANCE are the one nation all England fans are truly afraid of.
      They are many punters’ favourites after knocking the Three Lions out of the 2022 World Cup and will be hoping to do much better than at Euro 2020, when they lost to Switzerland in the last 16.
      MANAGER: Didier Deschamps
      Coming up to 12 years in the job, the only thing missing from his CV is a European Championship.
      STAR MAN: Kylian Mbappe
      Mbappe’s PSG may have underachieved on the European stage but he remains France’s most deadly threat, with a World Cup trophy and a World Cup final hat-trick to his name.
      How France attack
      Expect to see France play in a fluid 4-3-3 – which becomes 4-2-3-1 in possession – throughout the tournament.
      Giroud acts as the focal point in the attack with the two wide players and Griezmann as No 10 supporting.
      How France defend
      We can expect to see France defend high with an emphasis on winning back possession as far up the pitch as possible.
      France will stagger their defensive shape when the opposition are in possession.
      Read the full France Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags. More