Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was spotted embracing 16-year-old defender Marli Salmon after the pre-season friendly against Como on Wednesday, a gesture that fans interpreted as a sign of encouragement for the teenager's future.
Salmon, a centre-back, partnered Gabriel at the heart of Arsenal's defence in the absence of William Saliba, who is injured. Despite his young age, he stood out against the Serie A outfit and earned a standing ovation when substituted in the 88th minute.
Raya's Gesture and Salmon's Performance
Eagle-eyed fans noticed Raya embracing Salmon after the game before pointing upwards, with some theorising that the Spaniard was telling the teenager he is destined to reach the top of the game. Salmon was the only Arsenal player to feature for longer than an hour against Como, which was the team's final friendly ahead of Sunday's season opener against Manchester City for the Community Shield.
Arsenal have been linked with a move for a new central defender amid concerns that Saliba faces months on the sidelines with a back injury. Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa is a target, while it emerged on Friday that Arsenal have opened talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a potential deal for former Liverpool star Jarell Quansah.
Arteta's Plans for Salmon
For now, though, Mikel Arteta insists that Salmon is a part of his first-team plans despite the Hale End star's age. “He’s in and around the first team,” he said after the Como game. “We know that obviously the circumstances are what they are, that’s the context that is allowing him to play more minutes. If we would have other players it would be more difficult. That doesn’t mean he wouldn’t get the chance to do so. But what he’s proved in the last few weeks is that he’s reliable and when we want to play him, he can do a job.”
