Arsenal have handed opportunities to several young players in pre-season, with Marli Salmon emerging as one for the future. The 16-year-old centre-back partnered Gabriel at the heart of Arsenal's defence in Saliba's absence and stood out against Serie A outfit Como. Salmon's display earned him a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 88th minute, and special praise from his goalkeeper David Raya. Eagle-eyed fans spotted Raya embracing Salmon after the game before pointing upwards, with some fans theorising that the Spaniard was telling the teenager that he is destined to the reach the top of the game. The Gunners have been linked with a move for a new central defender amid concerns that Saliba faces months on the sidelines with a back injury. 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.”