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Arsenal Secure 16-Year-Old Marli Salmon on Pre-Contract With Pro Deal Set for August 29

The move reflects Arsenal’s push to lock in academy defenders early.

Overview

  • Arsenal said Tuesday the 16-year-old defender had signed a pre-contract that lets him sign professional terms on August 29, his 17th birthday.
  • Salmon made his senior debut in December in a 3-0 Champions League win at Club Brugge, becoming Arsenal’s fourth-youngest player in European competition.
  • He featured in FA Cup ties and earned his first start in a 2-1 victory over Mansfield Town this season.
  • That Mansfield lineup also included fellow 16-year-old Max Dowman, a pairing reported as the first of its kind for a top-flight side in 59 years.
  • He remains active with the U21s and is expected to keep splitting youth matches with selective first-team involvement as he develops.