Ferdinand believes Saliba, 22, can become one of the world’s best defenders.
Saliba has now established himself as a key player at the heart of Arsenal’s defence. He joined Mikel Arteta’s side from Saint-Etienne for £27 million in 2019.
Martinez, meanwhile, came under fire after his £56.7 million move from Ajax last year.
When asked who he would pick between Saliba and Martinez, Ferdinand told talkSPORT: “I will go for Saliba.
“I think Saliba could potentially be top, top, top.
“I think Martinez answered a lot of critics last year, a lot of doubters about his size and stuff like that, fantastic on the ball.
“But like this one [comparison] I think also you are helped by the team you play in. He’s in a very solid, consistent team, Saliba. Martinez isn’t.”
