Mikel Arteta has named a stronger Arsenal line-up than many were expecting for this evening's Europa League clash against FK Bodo/Glimt.
Despite making seven changes to the side that started the 3-2 win over Liverpool at the weekend, Ben White, William Saliba, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard all keep their places in a clear signal of intent from the Gunners manager that he's not taking the Norwegian side lightly.
And just in case things don't go to plan against Bodo/Glimt - who have won 14 European home games in a row - Arteta will have the luxury of calling upon senior players such Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes who are in reserve this evening.
READ MORE: Bodo/Glimt vs Arsenal LIVE: Bukayo Saka opens the scoring as Amahl Pellegrino misses big chance
However, the Arsenal substitutes bench includes a name some fans might not be too familiar with in youngster Khayon Edwards who has been called up to a senior matchday squad for the first time, effectively replacing £45m summer signing Gabriel Jesus who didn't travel to Norway.
For Edwards to make his debut this evening, a lot depends on the scoreline. Whilst the Gunners went into the game with an 100 per cent winning record in the Europa League so far this season, they'll need another to boost their chances of topping group A and avoiding a round of 32 play-off in the new year.
Whatever happens, this first-team experience should prove valuable for his development. But who exactly is the wonderkid that has been named on the Arsenal bench? football.london takes a look.
Who is Khayon Edwards?
Khayon Edwards is an 19-year-old striker currently on the books at Arsenal having joined the club aged five, and year on year he has developed a reputation for being a clinical centre-forward as he looks to emulate fellow Hale End graduates such as Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe.
Although, there was a strong possibility that he could have departed the club in the summer transfer window as football.london understands both Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion made approaches to teenager towards the end of last season, with his deal set to expire.
Thankfully, Edwards stayed put and he went on to sign his first professional contract with Arsenal: "I'm very delighted to have signed my first professional contract," he said. "I've worked hard for this moment. It's been a very important season for me, but now it's time to step up and prove what I've proved time and time again."
How has he fared this season?
All of Edwards' appearances so far this season have come for the U21s. Four in total and his two goals have come against Manchester United as well as Chelsea. Furthermore, he claimed an assist in the 3-1 win over the former.
With that said, an injury has disrupted his progress. He missed four games for Mehmet Ali's side but made a substitute appearance in last Saturday's game against Spurs. football.london was in attendance, but the forward was not afforded much in the shape of chances in his 26-minute stint.
To highlight what a full fit Edwards brings, last season he scored 16 goals in as many Under-18 Premier League games as well as chipping in with five assists. In addition, he made an impact for the U23s with goal at that level in a 1-1 draw with West Ham United in January.
What has been said about Edwards?
Arsenal Academy chief Per Mertesacker spoke during a Youth Development Webinar earlier in the year about his overall vision of creating ‘Strong Young Gunners’ and Edwards is certainly a big part of these plans: "I think it was formulated four years ago, in my last season as a player (2017/18)," he said. “I came up with a framework of what I believe, from my own experience and also by talking to people.
"Strong Young Gunners means this is our vision where we want our players to stand strong in every scenario they will face. We are passionate about creating youngsters who can rise to any challenge and we have a rich history and heritage we want to pay tribute to and carry on."
Meanwhile, as per Arsenal.com, Edwards is described as "a hard-working attacker whose style of play and potency in front of goal emulates fellow academy grad, Eddie Nketiah".
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