**Saliba: Arsenal's Scouting Triumph That Prompted Chelsea's Big Investment** Arsenal made a savvy move in 2019 when they secured William Saliba for £25 million, a decision that would later be contrasted by Chelsea's hefty £70 million acquisition of his teammate, Wesley Fofana. On a chilly, rainy day in Montpellier, Arsenal's interest in Saliba began to take shape. At the time, he was an 18-year-old playing for Saint-Étienne’s under-19 team, and Ty Gooden, Arsenal’s scout in France, had recognized his potential. Gooden's enthusiasm led Francis Cagigao, the club's head of scouting, to travel to the south of France to observe the young talent. Initially, Cagigao and Gooden were focused on another centre-back at Saint-Étienne, who was a year older and already making waves in the first team. This player would eventually be signed by Chelsea for a staggering £70 million. However, it was Saliba's remarkable speed and commanding presence on the pitch that ultimately swayed the Arsenal scouts in his favor over Fofana.