Martin Keown has warned Arsenal fans not to expect miracles from William Saliba next season.
Saliba has joined up with the Gunners after spending last season back on loan with Saint-Etienne.
There is plenty of excitement over the 19-year-old's future with the Gunners with many fans hoping he can provide a long-term solution to persistent problems at the back.
But with a total of 28 league appearances to his name, Keown feels too much may be expected from Saliba too soon.
Asked if he felt there was undue pressure on the France Under-20 international, Keown told the PA news agency: "There definitely is.
"It is one of those where I would have been happier if Arsenal had paid more money and brought him in straight at the start of last season.
"There have long-been questions over the Arsenal defence and Saliba was expensive, but he is also young and has not played that many professional games.
"It can't be expected that he will walk straight into Arsenal, right into the team and be on it from the off."
Additional reporting from Press Association
