Arsenal now have a youngster who says he really looks up to William Saliba, fans are excited

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Arsenal have announced 13 new first-year scholars at the club for the 2025-26 campaign.

Following the success of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly last season, all eyes are on the conveyor belt of talent at Hale End for the next superstar.

Arsenal are in talks with Max Dowman over a pre-professional contract at the club after the youngster impressed fans with his performances for the academy sides.

Dowman is expected to join Mikel Arteta’s first-team for the pre-season tour of Asia but one of their new scholars has been full of praise for another key player for the Gunners.

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Arsenal scholar Marli Salmon looks up to William Saliba

As per Arsenal’s official website, the club have announced that 13 academy prospects have been awarded first-year scholarships at the club.

Callan Hamill is among the players to be named after having joined the club from Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone this summer.

Defender Marli Salmon has also been awarded a scholarship at the Emirates and has spoken of his admiration for William Saliba upon signing his contract.

Salmon stated: “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.”

Arsenal believe Salmon is ‘special’ and the fact that he has committed his future to the club is another positive this summer with the 15-year-old now having the opportunity to further develop his game.

Marli Salmon has already been compared to William Saliba by Arsenal fans

Salmon looks up to Saliba and the comparisons between the two players have not gone unnoticed by Arsenal supporters during the youngster’s performances.

The defender has a composure on the ball that is reminiscent of the French international and Salmon’s physicality reminded fans of Saliba.

Declan Rice has taken on a role at Arsenal in mentoring and looking out for young players and now Saliba has that opportunity with Salmon.

Guidance and advice from senior players can do an awful lot for young players coming through, especially from a player as talented and admired as Saliba.