Oman international left-back Saad Al-Mukhaini has joined Arsenal on a two-day trial with the view to securing a permanent deal, ESPN Soccernet reports.
The 24 year old plays for Oman side Fanja SC and could be recruited to provide competition for summer signing Andre Santos and young England left-back Kieran Gibbs. Arsenal have suffered from defensive injures this season and could sign Al-Mukhaini to cover themselves until their main full-backs return from injury. Oman manager Paul Le Guen recommended the 24 year old to Wenger and the Gunners boss has given the go-ahead for a two-day trial to put Al-Mukhaini through his paces.
Le Guen said: ‘I think Saad is one of the best players in the country and he can play in a big league. I had a chat with Wenger some time back and he seemed interested in calling him. I cannot say how much Saad is ready mentally for making it in a big league, but I know football enough and I believe he can. He has to adapt and compete with great players’.
Al-Mukhaini is ready to give his best shot at the chance of making it in the Premier League and is keen to impress whilst he is on trial. The defender said: ‘Most of my friends and team-mates in the club and national team came to know about it only when it was reported in the media. Some of them dismissed it as a rumour. I do not want to lie, but I know I have a huge opportunity here and I have to trust myself.’
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