We are pleased to announce that Marli Salmon has signed a pre-contract agreement with the club that will lead to him signing professional terms when he turns 17 in August.
Marli joined our academy at the age of nine in July 2019 and has risen through the ranks at Hale End.
A calm and composed defender who is equally adept as a centre-back or full-back, Marli is also an England under-16 international.
Last summer, the 16-year-old, who signed his scholarship in July 2025, was selected by Mikel Arteta for the pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong.
Marli made his debut in the 1-0 victory over AC Milan in Singapore, before featuring once again in our 3-2 win over Newcastle United.
Just five months later, in December, aged 16 years and 102 days old, Marli made his professional debut for us, coming on for Ben White in our 3-0 victory over Club Brugge. In doing so, Marli became the fourth youngest player to represent us in European competitions.
The milestones haven't stopped there for Marli, who featured in the FA Cup third round against Portsmouth before making his home debut in the next round against Wigan Athletic.
Following the signing of his pre-agreement, Marli said: “It's a very big moment for me, for my family as well. I'm very proud. I’ve been at the academy since I was nine and I just want to give everything to the club.
“I’m an Arsenal supporter, and I’ve had some great memories so far. I’m so proud to have made my debut this season, I just want to keep pushing on still, keep my levels high and try to get as much experience as I can in the first team.”
The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
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