Arsenal have confirmed that young centre-back Marli Salmon has signed a pre-contract agreement, allowing him to sign a professional deal when he turns 17.
Salmon, who can play at centre-back and full-back, joined Arsenal at nine and has risen through the ranks to make his senior debut.
The 16-year-old made his professional debut in December, replacing Ben White in the UEFA Champions League 3-0 victory at Club Brugge.
In doing so, he etched his name into the record books, becoming the fourth-youngest player to feature for Arsenal in European competition.
He also featured as a substitute in the FA Cup clashes against Portsmouth and Wigan, before making his first start in the 2-1 victory over Mansfield Town last month.
By starting against Mansfield, he became one of two 16-year-olds to start the same match for a top-flight club in any competition in 59 years, alongside Max Dowman.
Salmon has yet to make his Premier League debut, but was an unused substitute at Aston Villa and home games against Brighton and Bournemouth.
Reacting to his pre-contract agreement, he told arsenal.com: “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.”
Despite his involvement with the first team, he remains a pivotal player for the U21s. He is expected to play a key role in the Premier League 2 play-offs.
The young Gunners face Manchester City in the round of 16 on Saturday evening.