‘Special’ Arsenal academy graduate ‘in line’ to start game against Tottenham Hotspur
A shock academy graduate is reportedly in line to make his first Premier League start for Arsenal against Tottenham Hotspur next weekend.
Arsenal have won two of their opening three games with the third game of the Premier League campaign being a 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion with Declan Rice dismissed after being given a second yellow card for kicking the ball away.
Mikel Arteta’s side certainly have options to replace the English midfielder with Thomas Partey and Jorginho looking to be the most likely candidates.
However, some academy graduates could be given a chance in the first team and, according to reports, Arteta could be ready to hand one of these youngsters a chance.
Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand could be given a chance for Arsenal
According to a report from GiveMeSport, 21-year-old Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand could be given a chance in the Gunners’ first team against Tottenham Hotspur, which would certainly be a surprise.
Although the Gunners completed the signing of Mikel Merino last month, thanks to sporting director Edu negotiating a £31.6million deal with Real Sociedad while leading the recruitment drive throughout the summer transfer window, the Spain international is on the sidelines through injury.
The Gunners wanted Merino throughout the summer with Arteta believing that the former Newcastle United midfielder could provide the perfect profile to complement the current options at the Spaniard’s disposal.
The 21-year-old midfielder Salah-Eddine was included in the matchday squad for the 10th time when the Gunners were forced to settle for a point against Brighton.
However, with Rice missing the North London derby against Tottenham, perhaps it is time for an academy player to be given a chance to see if he can sink or swim.
Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand profiled
As mentioned, the midfielder has been in several Arsenal first-team squads and next Sunday’s game against Spurs could see the academy graduate in from the start.
Hull City coach Shota Arveladze once labelled the Dutch midfielder as ‘special’ and he could be given a chance from the off.
Salah-Eddine joined the club from Feyenoord in 2022 but has not started a Premier League game yet for the Gunners.
It would certainly be a baptism of fire for the Dutch midfielder but this may well be as good a time as any to give him a chance.
