Arsenal hand teenage defender Marli Salmon first professional contract

Arsenal have given highly rated defender Marli Salmon his first professional contract on his 17th birthday, underlining the club’s confidence in one of their most promising young players.

Salmon joined Arsenal in 2019 and has progressed through the club’s age-group system. His development was rewarded with a first-team debut against Club Brugge in the Champions League last December, just three months after he turned 16.

The defender made three further appearances for Arsenal’s senior side during the second half of last season and also featured regularly in the club’s pre-season friendlies ahead of the new campaign.

Arsenal confirmed the contract news as Salmon celebrated his 17th birthday. Speaking to the club’s official website, the teenager said the agreement represented the culmination of considerable effort from both himself and his family.

“This means a lot to me. I’ve put in a lot of work to get to this moment, and I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs, but I feel very proud,” he said.

“I think it’s a proud moment for my family too, and I see it as a reward for them because they’ve put so much time and effort into me. It’s as much a testament to the work they’ve put in as it is to my own work.”

Salmon was also able to learn from being around the Arsenal squad that won the Premier League title last season. He said observing the team had shown him the importance of the small details involved in achieving sustained success.

“Being around that team was amazing. You see a lot of the small details that go into making success happen,” he said.

“The season is long and there are a lot of things that change and happen, but maintaining that level throughout that period takes a lot. There are lots of small details that drive you to become a champion.”

Salmon began the current season with Arsenal Under-21s and played the full match in their 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace Under-21s in Premier League 2 last time out.

He was not included in either of Arsenal’s first-team squads for the opening two matches of the new season, but remains hopeful of receiving further opportunities at senior level during the 2026-27 campaign.

“I’m looking forward to attacking the season with everything I’ve got. I’ve started well, so we’ll see what the future holds,” Salmon said.

Arsenal are preparing to face Aston Villa in the Premier League on Monday evening. On the same day, Arsenal Under-21s are scheduled to play Brighton in Premier League 2.

Salmon is expected to start for the Under-21 side unless manager Mikel Arteta decides to include him in the first-team squad for the forthcoming Premier League fixture.