Should Marli Salmon get more first team minutes at Arsenal this season?

In partnership with

Just Arsenal News

·13 August 2026

Should Marli Salmon get more first team minutes at Arsenal this season?

Arsenal’s centre-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel is regarded as one of the best in the world, making it difficult for another player to break into the position. However, Marli Salmon is a youngster worth watching after making a strong impression alongside Gabriel against Como.

The teenager started the match and delivered a fine performance, showing that he continues to develop well while training and playing with the first team. Salmon is being tipped as one of the next academy graduates who could compete for a place in Arsenal’s senior squad, and he appears determined to make that opportunity count.

OneFootball Videos

Salmon Impresses Against Como

Salmon has already shown signs that he can compete at a higher level, having featured for the Gunners in different matches over recent months. His progress suggests he is becoming increasingly comfortable around the first team and could be ready for a greater role.

Most of his appearances last season came from the bench, but his performance against Como provided further evidence that he could be ready to start competitive matches for Arsenal this term. According to the Daily Mail, the defender showed in that game that he may now be prepared to take another step forward.

Arsenal Could Trust Young Defender

Salmon’s development could be particularly important as Arsenal consider whether they need to sign another defender to provide cover for Saliba. The Gunners want to maintain quality and depth in the position, but the teenager could potentially fill that role if he continues to progress.

His performance alongside Gabriel will give the club another reason to monitor his development closely. Although breaking into the starting role remains difficult with Saliba and Gabriel ahead of him, Salmon has demonstrated that he can handle opportunities when they come his way.

The defender will now hope to build on his performance against Como and continue earning opportunities with the first team. If he maintains his current progress, he could become an increasingly useful option for Arsenal as the season develops.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________ ADMIN COMMENT

So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….

You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.

CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…