Arsenal have confirmed that Marli Salmon has committed his future to the club, signing a pre-contract agreement that will see him turn professional on his 17th birthday in August.
The 16-year-old defender made his competitive first-team debut off the bench in the Champions League win over Club Brugge in December and has since featured three times in the FA Cup against Portsmouth, Wigan and Mansfield.
While a Premier League debut may have to wait until next season, it’s clear both the club and Mikel Arteta hold him in high regard.
Alongside his first-team involvement, Salmon captains the under-21s and has made 18 appearances in Premier League 2 this season. He’s also featured six times for the under-18s, and currently represents England at under-17 level, with a step up expected in the near future.
On his decision to commit to Arsenal, the Hale End graduate told the club website:
“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.”
Acutely aware of the interest in their best young talent, Arsenal tied down fellow Hale Ender, Max Dowman, in January using a similar pre-contract agreement.