Salah-Eddine’s decision to join the club was an easy one.
From the moment he arrived at London Colney, he was greeted with open arms by academy staff and players, and made to feel welcome in north London.
We spoke to the young midfielder after signing - and this is what he said:
on how it feels to join Arsenal…
It feels great to join a massive club like Arsenal. It’s a good environment for me to work on my development and hopefully through the academy I can become a first-team player.
on the key factors behind his move…
They first contacted my dad and then I went there for a week just to see what the club is all about, and after that they didn’t really have to say anything. I immediately knew that it was the right club for me.
on his first impressions of the club and his teammates…
My first impressions were that not only are my teammates really good footballers, but they’re great people as well. The whole environment is positive and it’s lovely to work with them.
on how he would describe his style of play…
I’m a central midfielder and I like to play box to box. Offensively I’m a creative player and I can play with my left or right foot. I score goals and get assist, and defensively I like to think I do my bit too, especially in the transition.
on what he hopes to achieve in his debut season…
First I want to become an important player in the under-23s and then eventually get involved with the first team in some capacity. I want to see what that’s like, but above all else I want to have a really good season with the under-23s. Maybe if I do that then I’ll be able to join the first team here and there in training. Those are my targets.
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