Latest news with #Arteta
Scottish Sun
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Meet Arsenal wonderkid Marli Salmon, 15, dubbed ‘next Saliba' and on senior tour to Singapore as meteoric rise continues
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EVERY Gooner is well aware of Max Dowman's frightening potential by now. But they may be less clued up on the other 15-year-old wonderkid currently on Arsenal's tour of the Far East right now. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Mikel Arteta has taken rising star Marli Salmon on Arsenal's Asia tour Credit: Getty 9 The defender is still only 15 years old Credit: Getty 9 He has already played for the Under-21s Credit: Getty 9 The teenager has been dubbed the 'next Saliba' Credit: Getty Marli Salmon is the ball-playing centre-back who Mikel Arteta has included in his 30-man contingent for pre-season in Asia. The opportunity will see the teenager rub shoulders with his hero, William Saliba, and he may even get some minutes alongside the French powerhouse against AC Milan at 12.30pm on Wednesday. Photographs show Gunners boss Arteta instructing Salmon during a training session at Singapore's National Stadium. And the way Salmon is already taller than 5ft 9ins Arteta underlines his impressive physicality at such a tender age. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL YELLOW MOAN Fans horrified by club's new kit 'designed by Year 11 on work experience' The youngster joined Arsenal at Under-11 level and is being talked up as the most exciting defensive prospect emerging at Hale End in years. Salmon, who turns 16 on August 29, has had a rapid rise in the last 12 months. Having impressed for the Under-18s, the versatile defender made his first Emirates Stadium appearance in the FA Youth Cup against Manchester United. He was fast-tracked to the Under-21s last term, playing five times at that level despite still being a schoolboy. Salmon has also featured twice in the Uefa youth league and has been called up to the England under-16s. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS Displaying a grace on the ball, running power and an excellent reading of the game, Arteta saw enough to take him on the Gunners' pre-tour camp to La Manga, Spain, and now to the Far East. Salmon, who recently signed a two-year scholarship with the North Londoners, is aware of the similarities between his own game and that of Arteta's best technical central defender. Arsenal fans convinced new transfer is done after star's 'message' in kit launch The youngster said: 'I look up to William Saliba, he's a good player. "There are a lot of attributes that match up with me so I look up to him.' Salmon is one of eight current Arsenal academy players in Arteta's Asian selection, with creative starlet Dowman the pick of the bunch. Others include recently-converted forward Andre Annous, 17, speedy winger Ismeal Kabia, 19, versatile full-back Josh Nichols, 18, box-to-box midfielder Louie Copley, 18, plus 19-year-old goalkeepers Tommy Setford and Alexei Rojas. Setford made a shock first-team debut against Preston in the Carabao Cup in October, keeping a clean sheet. Arsenal's pre-season fixtures Here are all of Arsenal's pre-season games before the return of the Premier League... Arsenal vs AC Milan, Singapore (July 23, 12.30pm) Arsenal vs Newcastle, Singapore (July 27, 12.30pm) Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur, Hong Kong (July 31, 12.30pm) Arsenal vs Villarreal, Emirates Stadium (August 6, 6pm) Arsenal vs Athletic Bilbao, Emirates Stadium (August 9, 5pm) 9 Marli Salmon plays for Arsenal U18 v Crystal Palace Credit: Getty 9 Arsenal wonderkid Marli Salmon models his game on William Saliba Credit: Getty 9 Max Downan has also been training with the first team squad Credit: Getty 9 Alan Smith believes the youngsters will benefit from the Asia Tour Credit: Getty But it is 15-year-old, 'Magic Max' Dowman who is generating the most buzz from his electric performances in the youth teams and a competitive first-team debut this term not only seems realistic, but expected. Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith, who netted 115 goals in eight seasons at the club in the late 1980s and early 1990s, winning two league titles, reckons Salmon and Dowman being on tour will prove invaluable to their development. Speaking to The Sun in association with William Hill, Smith said: 'For both youngsters, it's excellent experience to go on tour, it's amazing for them both to spend time with the first team, to train with them and learn from them. 'It's a good move from Mikel to take them both on tour. They will get massive exposure of what it's like to be with the first team for a significant period during the Asia tour. 'However, they are very unlikely to have game-time this season and Max especially is too young, he needs to be managed well, like Saka, Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly. 'Max has been in the headlines for some of his performances for the younger age groups and he will gain huge experience being with the squad. 'Arsenal must be careful with Max, but you have to trust Mikel Arteta to know when to put him in. You also have to be wary of fan expectation as he is very young, but obviously he has massive potential.' Salmon was also snapped vying for a ball with fellow Gunners youth product Ethan Nwaneri out in Singapore. It followed Nwaneri's younger brother Emerson turning out in Arsenal Under-18s' 2-0 defeat to the Dover Athletic first team on Saturday.
The Irish Sun
13 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Meet Arsenal wonderkid Marli Salmon, 15, dubbed ‘next Saliba' and on senior tour to Singapore as meteoric rise continues
EVERY Gooner is well aware of Max Dowman's frightening potential by now. But they may be less clued up on the other 15-year-old wonderkid currently on Arsenal's 9 Mikel Arteta has taken rising star Marli Salmon on Arsenal's Asia tour Credit: Getty 9 The defender is still only 15 years old Credit: Getty 9 He has already played for the Under-21s Credit: Getty 9 The teenager has been dubbed the 'next Saliba' Credit: Getty Marli Salmon is the ball-playing centre-back who The opportunity will see the teenager rub shoulders with his hero, Photographs show Gunners boss Arteta instructing Salmon during a training session at Singapore's National Stadium. And the way Salmon is already taller than 5ft 9ins Arteta underlines his impressive physicality at such a tender age. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL The youngster joined Salmon, who turns 16 on August 29, has had a rapid rise in the last 12 months. Having impressed for the Under-18s, the versatile defender made his first Emirates Stadium appearance in the FA Youth Cup against Manchester United. He was fast-tracked to the Under-21s last term, playing five times at that level despite still being a schoolboy. Salmon has also featured twice in the Uefa youth league and has been called up to the Most read in Football JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS Displaying a grace on the ball, running power and an excellent reading of the game, Arteta saw enough to take him on the Gunners' pre-tour camp to La Manga, Salmon, who recently signed a two-year scholarship with the North Londoners, is aware of the similarities between his own game and that of Arteta's best technical central defender. Arsenal fans convinced new transfer is done after star's 'message' in kit launch The youngster said: 'I look up to William Saliba, he's a good player. "There are a lot of attributes that match up with me so I look up to him.' Salmon is one of eight current Arsenal academy players in Arteta's Asian selection, with creative starlet Dowman the pick of the bunch. Others include recently-converted forward Andre Annous, 17, speedy winger Ismeal Kabia, 19, versatile full-back Josh Nichols, 18, box-to-box midfielder Louie Copley, 18, plus 19-year-old goalkeepers Tommy Setford and Alexei Rojas. Setford made a shock first-team debut against Preston in the Carabao Cup in October, keeping a clean sheet. Arsenal's pre-season fixtures Here are all of Arsenal's pre-season games before the return of the Premier League... Arsenal vs AC Milan, Singapore (July 23, 12.30pm) Arsenal vs Newcastle, Singapore (July 27, 12.30pm) Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur, Hong Kong (July 31, 12.30pm) Arsenal vs Villarreal, Emirates Stadium (August 6, 6pm) Arsenal vs Athletic Bilbao, Emirates Stadium (August 9, 5pm) 9 Marli Salmon plays for Arsenal U18 v Crystal Palace Credit: Getty 9 Arsenal wonderkid Marli Salmon models his game on William Saliba Credit: Getty 9 Max Downan has also been training with the first team squad Credit: Getty 9 Alan Smith believes the youngsters will benefit from the Asia Tour Credit: Getty But it is 15-year-old, 'Magic Max' Dowman who is generating the most buzz from his electric performances in the youth teams and a competitive first-team debut this term not only seems realistic, but expected. Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith, who netted 115 goals in eight seasons at the club in the late 1980s and early 1990s, winning two league titles, reckons Salmon and Dowman being on tour will prove invaluable to their development. Speaking to The Sun in association with 'It's a good move from Mikel to take them both on tour. They will get massive exposure of what it's like to be with the first team for a significant period during the Asia tour. 'However, they are very unlikely to have game-time this season and Max especially is too young, he needs to be managed well, like Saka, Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly. 'Max has been in the headlines for some of his performances for the younger age groups and he will gain huge experience being with the squad. 'Arsenal must be careful with Max, but you have to trust Mikel Arteta to know when to put him in. You also have to be wary of fan expectation as he is very young, but obviously he has massive potential.' Salmon was also snapped vying for a ball with fellow Gunners youth product It followed Nwaneri's younger brother Emerson turning out in Arsenal Under-18s' 2-0 defeat to the Dover Athletic first team on Saturday. 9
TimesLIVE
13 hours ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Arsenal manager Arteta pleased with early transfer business
Mikel Arteta said he was happy that Arsenal had signed a number of top-quality players in the early stages of the transfer window, and that they had given the Premier League club impetus to raise their level in the coming season. Runners-up for the last three seasons, Arsenal have signed winger Noni Madueke and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, plus midfielders Christian Norgaard from Brentford and Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. 'They bring new excitement, a new energy as well,' Arteta said in Singapore on Monday ahead of a preseason match against Serie A side AC Milan. 'We signed important players as well. Everybody feels like their height has to go to a different level and that's what we're seeking. 'Ideally, you want it [transfers] done on day one in preseason. We've done very, very well so far. I'm very pleased with the way the club is supporting the necessities and improvements we required in the team.' Mr. Mikel Arteta wasn't lying huh 😶 — Sucheet Boppana (@BoppanaSucheet) July 15, 2025 Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, who scored 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting last season, is also expected to move to Emirates Stadium. 'There's still a long time in the window and we are seeking. In terms of numbers, we are short, and we have to improve the depth and the quality of the squad,' Arteta said. 'We are constantly looking in the market, but until that happens, I can focus on the players we have, work with them and I'm very pleased with what I've seen so far in the first 10 to 15 days.' Arteta briefly spoke about former player Thomas Partey, who was charged with rape and sexual assault this month, after leaving the club at the end of last season. 'I think the club was very clear in its statement. There are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated so I cannot comment on any of that. Mikel Arteta has claimed Arsenal "100 per cent" followed the right processes over Thomas Partey after the midfielder was charged over multiple counts of rape and sexual assault earlier this month. — Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 21, 2025 Asked if he felt like the club had followed the right processes in dealing with the issue, he replied: '100%, yes.' Arsenal have let Premier League titles slip through their grasp in the last couple of years but this season will be different, defender Gabriel Magalhaes said. 'I think the players that came will help us out a lot. The club is doing what is best for the players and the manager,' Gabriel told the BBC in an interview published on Sunday. 'We want to have the best players. To be in the dispute for titles, you have to have the best players. 'We have let a couple of titles slip through our fingers recently. We almost won but I think this year things will be different.' Arsenal begin their 2025-26 Premier League campaign on August 17 with a trip to Manchester United.
Metro
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Metro
Mikel Arteta fears eight clubs are in Premier League title race next season
Mikel Arteta reckons there are up to eight clubs ready to challenge for the Premier League title next season, feeling the division is getting ever more competitive. The Gunners have finished second in each of the last three seasons and are desperate to make that final step to title winners in the coming campaign. The likes of Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke and Christian Norgaard have been brought in to help them do that, while more arrivals are expected in the coming weeks. Their rivals have also strengthened, though, with champions Liverpool not resting on their laurels by signing the likes of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, with Hugo Ekitike about to follow. That has not dissuaded Arteta of Arsenal's ability to win the title next season, but he admits it will be very difficult. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. 'Yes I do,' Arteta said when asked if he thinks the Gunners can become Premier League champions. 'It is getting more and more competitive each year. The level is increasing. 'We know that so our demands have to increase as well. But we have also been very active in the market. 'We have to improve the players we already have, which is a massive objective after that. And then, set the right fundamentals and the right principles in pre-season to get the team ready with the best possible shape and availability to start the season.' The Spaniard did not name which clubs he is thinking about when weighing up the title challengers, but does believe there could be up to eight of them battling with Arsenal to lift the trophy. 'Every year we have to see how things develop, but I see the right balance in terms of maturity, experience, youth, hunger – all these ingredients are there,' he said. 'The thing is there are another six, seven, eight clubs in the league that have the right ingredients to win and there is only going to be one winner. 'So we have to focus a lot on the things that we can control, that we can do, to achieve what we want at the end of the season.' Arteta was speaking on Arsenal's pre-season trip to Asia, taking on Newcastle and AC Milan in Singapore. Liverpool 2/1 Arsenal 9/4 Man City 3/1 Chelsea 8/1 Newcastle 28/1 Man Utd 40/1 Tottenham 50/1 Aston Villa 66/1 Brighton 125/1 Nottm Forest 175/1 West Ham 300/1 Bournemouth 300/1 Everton 300/1 Fulham 500/1 Leeds 500/1 Crystal Palace 500/1 Wolves 500/1 Brentford 500/1 Burnley 1000/1 Sunderland 1000/1 Odds courtesy of Betfair He is hoping that deals will be done while he gets back to work on the training pitch and in the dugout, admitting that his squad is short in certain areas. 'There's still a long time in the window and we are seeking still,' he said. 'In terms of numbers, we are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad. We are constantly looking in the market. 'Until that happens, [we] focus on the players we have – and I'm very pleased with what I have seen in the last 10-15 days.' More Trending Fans were convinced that he dropped something of a hint that the long-awaited deal for Viktor Gyokeres is going to be done soon. Asked how close Arsenal are to signing Gyokeres, Arteta told reporters: 'You know I cannot comment on any player that is not part of our group yet.' The final word is what really got supporters excited. MORE: Aston Villa respond to Man Utd loan offer for goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez MORE: Chelsea move ahead of Arsenal in transfer race for 'exceptional' £60m star MORE: Bryan Mbeumo explains Tottenham snub after Man Utd announce £71m new signing
The Irish Sun
17 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Premier League title race set to be all-timer with EIGHT teams in contention, claims Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta
MIKEL ARTETA believes there will be up to EIGHT teams challenging Arsenal for the Prem title next season. The TEN points behind champions Liverpool last term – cementing a runners-up spot for the third season on the bounce. 7 Mikel Arteta reckons the Premier League title race could feature eight teams Credit: Getty 7 Arsenal were left heartbroken after yet another second-placed finish last season Credit: Getty 7 Liverpool will be tough to beat as they look to retain their crown having invested heavily this summer Credit: AFP Five years into his North London reign with just one FA Cup triumph to show for it, But according to the Spaniard, this upcoming campaign will be the toughest yet, anticipating one of the most hotly-contested title races in Prem history. Europa League winners READ MORE SPORT STORIES Arteta is confident Arsenal will be in the mix – on course to spend £200m in the transfer window – but explained: 'It is getting more and more competitive each year. 'The level is increasing. We know that so our demands have to increase as well. 'Every year we have to see how things develop but I see the right balance in terms of maturity, experience, youth, hunger and all these ingredients are there. 'The thing is there are another six, seven, eight clubs in the league that have the right ingredients to win and there is only going to be one winner. Most read in Football CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 'So, we have to focus a lot on the things that we can control, that we can do, to achieve what we want at the end of the season.' Midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, back-up keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and winger Noni Madueke have all signed up to Arsenal project. Rain lashes down in Singapore as Arsenal are forced to cancel first pre-season training session And Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres - as well as Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera - are both on the verge of joining for a combined £80m. Arsenal have targeted elite match-winners in the market so far, having also fallen short in the Champions League with an agonising semi-final defeat to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain back in May. Arteta continued: 'The only thing that [the players] were talking about at the end of last season and the first day back through the door is 'OK, how are we going to be better?' 'How are we going to do more? We know that we are so close now in two big competitions and we just want to make the next step. 'There are going to be a lot of details and moments that have to go our way. We have to push for that to happen. 'We have been very active in the market, but we have to improve the players we already have, which is a massive objective. 'And then, set the right fundamentals and the right principles in pre-season to get the team ready with the best possible shape and availability to start the season.' 7 Arteta is confident Arsenal will finally conclude a deal for Viktor Gyokeres Credit: Getty 7 Arsenal have been bolstered by the arrival of Martin Zubimendi, who is with the Gunners on their tour of Singapore Credit: Getty 7 Noni Madueke is another reinforcement brought in by Arteta this summer Credit: Getty Zubimendi and Madueke were described as But Arteta is not keen on this classification, admitting that last season's struggles with long-term injuries to key players – such as Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz – has opened his eyes to the bigger picture. He said: 'The Tier 1, 2, 3 system, I don't believe in that much now. I'll change it. 'The way the game's evolving, the demands we put in with 70, 75 games per season, we want to build a team, like other clubs already have. 'When you look at the squad and you cannot really identify who is going to play, if you get to that point, that's what we want. 'Last year, the line-up was: 'Give me five players who can finish 90 minutes'. We played like this for seven months. We need to get away from that. 'Those restrictions limited our capacity to perform and then have the freshness that we need at the end of the season. Hopefully this season is going to be very different.' 7
